Francesco Bagnaia Advocates for Shifting Australian MotoGP Race to Saturday
Francesco Bagnaia, a prominent rider for Ducati, has initiated discussions regarding the possibility of moving the Australian MotoGP race to Saturday. This comes amid forecasts of high winds expected to reach up to 50 km/h on Sunday during the event at Phillip Island.
Safety Concerns Over Weather Conditions
Bagnaia intends to address this situation with the safety commission. He expresses serious concerns about the track conditions and their implications for safety.
- Windy conditions could pose risks during the race.
- The track is reported to be very bumpy, which increases the danger, particularly in windy scenarios.
These concerns echo a similar situation in 2023 when the Melbourne race was advanced to Saturday due to adverse weather predictions, including heavy rain and wind. This decision ensured the grand prix could be conducted safely.
Support from Other Riders
Bagnaia is not alone in this advocacy. Several other riders have voiced their support for addressing these weather-related concerns before the race is conducted.
- Luca Marini of Honda highlighted the potential for accidents in lower classes if racing proceeds under such conditions.
- He noted, “I hope that somebody will take the decision before seeing Moto2 riders crash.”
- Alex Rins of Yamaha echoed the sentiment, stating that discussions about safety would be priorities for the safety commission.
A Precedent for Safety
Both Marini and Rins pointed out that previous experiences underscore the importance of prioritizing safety. Two years ago, racing faced cancellation on Sunday due to similar weather conditions.
As the weekend approaches, the pressure is mounting on MotoGP officials to make a timely decision regarding the race schedule at Phillip Island, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
