Aprilia has demanded stricter regulations for tear-offs in MotoGP after a visor strip discarded by Alex Marquez caused championship leader Marco Bezzecchi to lose control during the تعريف sprint race at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez.
Aprilia has called for stricter regulations regarding tear-offs in the MotoGP World Championship, following a bizarre incident that saw championship leader Marco Bezzecchi’s race ruined by a discarded visor strip. The incident occurred during the sprint race at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, where a tear-off thrown by Gresini rider Alex Marquez stuck to Bezzecchi’s glove, causing him to lose control and drop from second to outside the top ten.
What happened during the Jerez sprint race?
According to a report from Motorsport.com, Alex Marquez discarded the tear-off after the final corner on his way to the starting grid. The plastic strip then adhered to Bezzecchi’s glove, severely affecting his launch. Bezzecchi, riding for Aprilia, had qualified second and was a strong contender for the win, but the incident forced him to recover from a poor start, ultimately finishing tenth.
What is Aprilia demanding?
Aprilia has urged the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to introduce clear rules prohibiting the disposal of tear-offs in unsafe areas, particularly on the starting grid. Team manager Massimo Rivola stated: “This incident highlights the need for clear legislation to protect riders from unnecessary risks. Safety must come first.” The team wants penalties for riders who discard tear-offs in prohibited zones.
Are there existing rules for tear-offs?
Currently, MotoGP has no specific regulations banning tear-off disposal anywhere on the circuit. Some teams follow internal guidelines, but there is no unified rule. The incident has prompted calls for the FIM to review the regulations, with potential changes expected to be discussed at the next Safety Commission meeting.
How did the incident affect Bezzecchi’s race?
Bezzecchi’s sprint race was compromised, finishing 10th instead of a potential podium. However, he recovered in the main race to secure second place, limiting the damage to his championship lead. The incident has sparked debate about the need for standardized tear-off rules to prevent similar occurrences.
What do other teams think?
While no official statements have been released from other teams, it is widely expected that most will support a move to regulate tear-off disposal. Safety is a shared priority, and the incident serves as a reminder that small details can have major consequences. An analyst commented: “Rider safety is the top priority, and this incident is a reminder that small details can lead to big consequences.”
When could new rules be implemented?
If a formal proposal is submitted, it could be discussed at the next MotoGP Safety Commission meeting. Any new regulations would likely be introduced for the 2025 season, giving teams time to adapt. The FIM has not yet commented on the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tear-off in MotoGP?
A tear-off is a thin plastic strip attached to a rider's visor. It is peeled off during a race to clear dirt, dust, or rain, and is typically discarded onto the track.
Why did the tear-off affect Bezzecchi?
The tear-off thrown by Alex Marquez stuck to Bezzecchi's glove just before the start, impairing his control of the bike and leading to a poor launch.
What is Aprilia demanding?
Aprilia wants the FIM to implement strict rules banning tear-off disposal in dangerous areas like the starting grid, with penalties for violators, to ensure rider safety.
When might new rules be introduced?
If approved, new regulations could be discussed at the next Safety Commission meeting and potentially take effect from the 2025 season.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Should there be a tear-off rule following Marco Bezzecchi's Jerez incident?
