Multymeter.com-Sport : Tyre pressure in MotoGP is regulated by Dorna Sports, as organiser of MotoGP. This regulation came into force in the 2017 season, with the aim of improving safety and competitive equality.
Tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyres to explode, which can endanger riders and spectators. Apart from that, tyre pressure that is too low can also cause tyres to lose traction, which can lead to riders slipping and accidents.
Meanwhile, too high tyre pressure can make the tyre harder and less flexible. This can cause tyres to be damaged more easily, and also make the bike more difficult to control.
The MotoGP tyre pressure regulations set the minimum pressure for the front tyre at 1.88 bar and the minimum pressure for the rear tyre at 1.7 bar. Tyre pressures are measured before the race starts and riders who violate this regulation are subject to a penalty.
Here are some reasons why tyre pressure in MotoGP is regulated:
○ Safety: Tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyres to explode, which can endanger riders and spectators.
○ Competitive equality: these tyre pressure regulations aim to prevent teams from using tyres that are too low to gain an advantage.
○ Performance: Optimal tyre pressure can improve a motorbike’s performance and make racing more competitive.
However, this tyre pressure regulation has also provoked some criticism from riders. Some riders argue that this regulation reduces their freedom to experiment with tyre pressure and also makes racing more boring.
The MotoGP riders who are subject to tyre pressure penalties are as follows:
Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia) in MotoGP Thailand 2023 because his rear tyre pressure was below the minimum limit for more than 50% of the race. Aleix Espargaró received a 3-second penalty, which reduced his finishing position from 5th to 8th.
Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing) in MotoGP Thailand 2023 because his rear tyre pressure was below the minimum limit for more than 50% of the race. Martin was not given a penalty because it was his first foul of the season.
Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda) in MotoGP Thailand 2023 because his rear tyre pressure was below the minimum limit for more than 50% of the race. Márquez was not charged a penalty because it was his first offence this season.
Pol Espargaró (Repsol Honda) in MotoGP Thailand 2023 because his rear tyre pressure was below the minimum limit for more than 50% of the race. Pol Espargaró was not given a penalty because it was his first offence this season.
Apart from that, several riders have also received warnings for violating tyre pressure rules, including:
• Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing) at the MotoGP of Catalunya 2023.
• Marc Márquez (Repsol Honda) at the MotoGP of Catalunya 2023
• Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) at the MotoGP of Catalunya 2023
• Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM) in the MotoGP of Catalonia 2023
• Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda) at the MotoGP of Catalunya 2023
Tyre pressure regulations in MotoGP came into force in the 2017 season, with the aim of improving safety and competitive equality. Tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyres to explode, which can endanger riders and spectators. Apart from that, too low tyre pressure can also cause tyres to lose traction, which can lead to riders slipping and accidents.***
