Almost half of MotoGP didn’t race in Motegi with big bikes

It is the first time in two years that the MotoGP World Championship has not returned to the Motegi circuit due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and as recently as September 7, Japan lifted strict entry restrictions on foreign tourists and reduced the number of tickets. Increased. to the country. The entire paddock had to use masks again in a closed space and go back to get them, but for those who have a full vaccination schedule with vaccines approved by the local Ministry of Health, Two weeks of isolation and pre- and post-PCR are no longer required. social distancing.

First contact in the only FP1 session this Friday at Motegi will be key. They haven’t run since 2019, but 44% of them will. With the first big bike in the Japanese GP, However It’s the first model with a rear holeshot, new Michelin casings and all the aero news. It has been adopted ever since.

Important names such as Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martín, Brad Binder, MotoGP race winners Bezzecchi and Alex Márquez have scored podiums on record. Or Marini, Di Giannantonio, Bezzecchi, Raúl Fernández, Gardner or wildcard Nagashima (Honda). Tsuda (Suzuki) participated in MotoGP for the first time at Motegi.

Enea Bastianini At a press conference, he said: “I don’t know if it’s an advantage to have raced in MotoGP here, but the bikes from 2019 to now are also very different, more aerodynamic, with a rear height adjuster (Hall It was my first year in moto2 so I don’t remember, but I feel ready to start.

As for using the rear ‘holeshot’ for the first time, this could be key at Motegi. This is used at least 5-6 times per lap of the race and means extra attention to the bike, so his three favorites for the title are: An opinion that changes things considerably.

According to leader Fabio Quartararo: “It will change a lot here because we use it a lot. If it’s dry, the lap times are much better than in 2019 because the riding and the level of the bike are all improving. It shows a lot with it on this circuit, but it doesn’t mark as much in the wet.” Actually, Super Typhoon Nan Madol has just passed, and heavy rain is coming from the southeast with an approaching tropical storm. Rain is forecast for the weekend as it brings

“We tested it after the tie in the 2019 test and we were developing it. Like in Austria, Austin makes a difference and this is going to be another weekend to show that. Sometimes braking. It could cause problems with levels, so we’ll see how it goes,” explained Pecco Bagnaia.

“2019 was far from the best engine performance because of Willie, but now we can do more transfers and use it five or six times a lap, so it will be very tough. prize.”