2023-08-03 23:22:04
The tire pressure regulations are a big topic at the British Grand Prix, because for the first time there are actually penalties if the limit prescribed by Michelin is disregarded. “The target value for the front tyre, which was set at 1.88 bar, and for the rear tyre, at 1.68 bar, must be met over 30 percent of the time in the sprint and over 50 percent in the Grand Prix,” explained Piero Taramasso , the two-wheeler manager of the French tire supplier. “These values can vary slightly depending on the racetrack.”
By no means all drivers are happy that this regulation is now being reviewed and that time penalties are also imposed in the event of offenses following an initial warning. For example, World Cup leader Pecco Bagnaia said: “This rule is intended to ensure safety, but I don’t think it’s actually safer with it. Honestly, we never had any problems with the tire pressure – even with the rear tire, if you’re under the limit there, it’s a clear advantage in terms of performance and grip. For the front tyre, on the other hand, 1.8 or 1.9 bar is the best possible value – if you go below that, the motorcycle will become restless, if you go over it, it will also become restless.”
“If the pressure is a bit higher, it’s not a problem,” continued the Ducati factory rider. “But from 2.0 bar – and you reach that very quickly – it starts to become very difficult to brake the bike and close the line. And if you want to go fast, you have to take risks and you can fall – or you go slow. If you look at my race at Jerez for example, I was close to the guys up front but then had to let them go a lap or two to get the tire pressure back down before I might try to overtake once more.”
So can the regulation have an impact on the races? “From my point of view it will change the way you race. Because the limit is set a bit high. If you are above it, it is easy to fall. And if you don’t want to fall, you have to drive slowly. If you fall short, you will be penalized. It’s very difficult, but that’s the rule. The team will certainly take a close look at how we can work well with it. You can’t control it on the bike. If you start at the front and are in the lead, your air pressure will be lower. But if you start from behind, the air pressure will increase and overtaking will become impossible. It’s made for safety, but it’s not safe,” Bagnaia said.
“We spoke regarding our view in the Safety Commission. But the decision remained the same, so we have to adapt,” said the Italian. “We have to get used to it and understand how we can improve our driving when the tire pressure goes up and see with the team in the pits if there’s anything we can do to prevent that.”
Some observers and even drivers suggested that Ducati would be hit hardest by the rule. The top 3 in the World Championship are all on a Desmosedici, but did not show any concern when asked.
“Having eight drivers certainly helps us better understand how to control it,” Bagnaia said. World Championship runner-up Jorge Martin revealed: «I can say that I won at the Sachsenring with the correct air pressure, so it won’t be a big deal. The window isn’t that big, but it’s the same for everyone.”
Young VR46 star Marco Bezzecchi made it clear: “In my view, it doesn’t depend on a manufacturer, but on your position in the race. When you’re leading or in the top group it’s different than in midfield. It’s not easy to control. Because it can not only be controlled by starting with a higher pressure. The race can develop differently every time, you can have many or fewer drivers in front of you. And when the air pressure increases, it gets a bit dangerous. But I believe that our teams are able to manage it in the best possible way.”
Championship status following 16 of 40 races:
1. Bagnaia, 194 Punkte. 2. Martin 159. 3. Bezzecchi 158. 4. Binder 114. 5. Zarco 109. 6. Marini 98. 7. Miller 79. 8. Aleix Espargaró 77. 9. Quartararo 64. 10. Alex Márquez 63. 11. Morbidelli 57. 12. Viñales 56. 13. Rins 47. 14. Augusto Fernández 42. 15. Nakagami 34. 16. Di Giannantonio 34. 17. Oliveira 27. 18. Bastianini 18. 19. Marc Márquez 15. 20. Pedrosa 13. 21. Savadori 9. 22. Folger 9. 23. Raúl Fernández 8. 24. Pirro 5. 25. Petrucci 5. 26. Mir 5. 27. Bradl 5.
Constructors’ Championship:
1.Ducati, 285 Punkte. 2. KTM 153. 3. Aprilia 121. 4. Honda 89. 5. Yamaha 82.
Team World Cup:
1. Prima Pramac Racing, 268 Punkte. 2. Mooney VR46 Racing 256. 3. Ducati Lenovo Team 222. 4. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 193. 5. Aprilia Racing 133. 6. Monster Energy Yamaha 121. 7. Gresini Racing 97. 8. LCR Honda 84. 9. GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, 51. 10. CryptoDATA RNF 39. 11. Repsol Honda 20.
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