The main problem of current MotoGP - Paddock GP

MotoGP, in 2021, is exciting in many ways.Many pilots can play the outposts, or even win.However, this diversity and this growing homogeneity is not necessarily a good thing for the championship.Explanation.At the end of 2015, specialists are unanimous.The passage to the single ECU ("Engine Control Unit", the control unit of on -board electronic systems) and standardized Magneti Marelli will become the greatest revolution in MotoGP since the transition to the four times.This measure is coupled with the allocation of an IMU unique in 2019 (inertial unit), aimed at limiting a new arms race.What is the purpose of these measures?To put it simply, limit the costs and give private people a chance to fight with factories without having to ruin themselves.On paper, it's a good thing.In fact, not that much.Three -point response.I) MotoGP, future motorcycle?The main problem of this measure is standardization, precisely.If you like MotoGP, you necessarily appreciate the diversity between different machines, and you support innovation.However, if we consider that all the electronic systems embedded on motorcycles are unique, all MotoGPs are identical to 40% (by not forgetting tires, essential to performance).Very high -level mechanical sports should highlight the most advanced technologies.How to explain that Suzuki must develop her own ECU in the World Endurance Championship but not in MotoGP, the pinnacle of motorcycle sports?

Maybe Maverick Vinales or Bradley Smith would have had a completely different destiny without the single ECU.However, with SIs ... Photo: Michelin Motorsport

This policy, started in 2012 with the CRT, has considerably filled the grid (see Suzuki, Aprilia, KTM).A reduction in costs results in an impoverishment of on -board technology and therefore easier production, and this is what Ducati understood.Next year, the firm will provide four teams.At the rate of two machines per pilot, this means 16 motorcycles, the majority of which of the current year.Do we keep this “prototype” spirit?This is more similar to the very limited series or the "compensation/customer" (see the GT3 championships).Before, it was unthinkable that private pilots benefit from the desmosedici of the year (N).It was not uncommon to see N-1 and N-2 in teams at the bottom of the grid.It is a safe bet that a limitation of costs coupled with freedom in development could have solved the problem without going to extremes (see promising F1 2022 regulations or hypercar at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Auto).Ii) towards general desecralization?The results of this policy have been immediate.From 2007 to 2015 (era 800cc then 1000cc), no victory of a private pilot was to be recorded.Since 2016, there have been 12.Just this year, 14 different pilots (at a time when these lines are written) out of 22 are mounted on the podium.The exploits of "small", like the third place of Enea Bastianini in Misano seem less impressive, in view of the homogeneity of the tray.The number of different winners exploded: nine in 2016 (record), soon equaled by the year 2020 (new).In this year 2021, seven have already imposed themselves.More contenders win, less the victory at value.This is only the cold reality of sport, whatever it is, the very principle of exclusivity and inflation.Places in official teams are also devalued.Before, a satellite pilot had to take a stroll to hope to win a factory handlebars (see Cal Crutchlow in 2013) but today, apart from the salary, it is no longer beneficial to have "best equipment" (see JorgeMartin, who does not have as much pressure as if he was at Ducati Corsica).

By winning at Assen in 2016, Jack Miller is the first satellite driver to win a race from Toni Elias at the 2006 Grand Prix of Portugal.Photo: Michelin Motorsport

Some statements betray this desacralization.Marc Márquez is not so happy (and even fears the year 2022) while in many ways, his performance this year is exceptional.Two victories after a sensational comeback.This deserves to do the headlines for months.With two victories, Valentino Rossi was vice-world champion 2014.Very different eras.Iii) the show is not what you think.Contrary to what one might think, "spectacle" does not rhyme that with overruns.We cannot deny it: since 2016, the races have been more disputed for all the reasons explained previously, and the arrivals much more condensed than before.Admittedly, action on track is one of the dimensions of the show, but it is much more than that.The interest in the championship has been considerably altered.When the domination of Márquez has ceased for medical reasons, we observed one of the weakest championships in the history of the Grands Prix (factually).When the factory pilots dominated, the victory was still playing between three to four people.This made it possible to hang on to a character and created interest in the entire championship, despite the fact that the sleeves were no more disputed.Márquez vs Lorenzo, Lorenzo vs Rossi, Pedrosa vs Stoner ... We were waiting for all these legendary jousts, every weekend, even with big differences on arrival (see the 2015 season, one of the biggest of all time).Nowadays, a pilot on the podium is not guaranteed to finish in the points during the next round (see Miguel Oliveira, an inexplicable case which would not have taken place under the old regulations).

How to Dewax Lemons http: // t.CO/MAGVTFI8HU #WikiHOWTO http: // t.CO/LWMLEY61AI

— wikiHow Wed May 20 02:21:17 +0000 2015

Miguel's case is simply inexplicable.Photo: Michelin Motorsport

The rivalries have, by the fact, disappeared.However, they are necessary for sustainability.The golden ages of any mechanical sports are marked by rivalry.This therefore harms legitimacy and power.Concrete example: A dozen pilots could play the title during the last round of the 2021 formula e season.This discredits the championship which becomes too random to be appreciated.Without going to such extremes, MotoGP has undeniably taken this path for five years.The 1980s in Grand Prix (or in Formula 1) are the perfect counterexample.The motorcycle has never been so spectacular and yet only a few pilots dominated.Iv) Conclusion: is it too late?We cannot deny that this vision has already proven itself in other disciplines but only in the short term (see Rallycross).That's the whole problem.If you want to keep passion for a sport, you have to find idols at all costs.Marc Márquez, from 2016 to 2019, was the tree that hid the forest.But let's keep hope because if Fabio manages to get rid of this homogeneity thanks to his talent, he should be able to take on this role.What do you think of the question?Tell us in comments! ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

This umpteenth article allows me to cross the bar of the million unique readings on this site.So I take this opportunity to warmly thank you for your unwavering support after two years, and I hope to be able to offer you content for a good time.thanks again.

Marc Marquez, Thailand 2019, concludes an exceptional year, the first at more than 400 points.Superb photo by the fact.Photo: Michelin Motorsport

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport