The Australian MotoGP race faces a potential schedule shake-up! Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia is advocating for a bold move: shifting the race to Saturday, a day earlier than planned. But why? Well, it's all about safety, as strong winds are predicted for Sunday, reaching a concerning 50km/h.
Bagnaia, a seasoned rider, is taking the initiative to address this issue with the safety commission. He recalls a similar situation in 2023 when MotoGP moved the Melbourne race to Saturday due to adverse weather conditions. This decision proved wise, ensuring a safe grand prix, despite the sprint's cancellation on Sunday.
Here's where it gets interesting: Bagnaia, unprompted, shared his thoughts during Friday's media briefing, "I think a good solution is to have the long race tomorrow." He emphasized the bumpy track and the already challenging wind conditions, suggesting Saturday as the safer option.
But Bagnaia isn't alone in his concerns. Honda's Luca Marini and Yamaha's Alex Rins also voiced worries about rider safety, especially for the lower classes. Marini recalled past incidents and urged proactive decision-making to prevent crashes. Rins agreed, supporting discussions within the safety commission.
And this is the part most people miss: rider safety is paramount, and these calls for a schedule change highlight the commitment to ensuring a secure racing environment. But is moving the race the best solution? That's the question sparking debate among fans and experts alike. Some argue it's a necessary precaution, while others believe it disrupts the traditional race weekend format. What do you think? Should MotoGP prioritize safety above all else, even if it means altering the schedule?
