Assessing the Thrill Factor: Is MotoGP’s Austrian GP a Sign of a Duller Championship or Just a Blip in an Otherwise Exciting Season?

Is MotoGP Facing Criticism Over Dull Austrian Grand Prix?

'There are voices claiming that the Austrian race was the least exciting of the year.'

On average, there was a 3.4-second interval separating the leading ten competitors by the conclusion of the Austrian MotoGP, which took place on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring.

In an initial struggle for the top spot, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia vied for dominance. However, the Italian managed to secure the lead after the first lap and maintained it, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin of 3.2 seconds.

Enea Bastianini secured a spot on the GP24 podium, finishing in third place from start to finish, with the top three separated by just 7.4 seconds.

Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli managed to captivate the audience by rallying to fourth and eighth positions following their initial collision at Turn 1, though the race itself didn't quite live up to an exciting show.

In the most recent episode of the Crash.net MotoGP Podcast, presenter Jordan Moreland posed the question:

"I've noticed discussions on social media platforms regarding Ducati's overwhelming performance this year, particularly with the GP24. Several individuals have mentioned that the race in Austria was the dullest of the season."

It's unrealistic to expect a blockbuster every weekend, and various other elements play a role. However, is it just for individuals to label the championship 'dull' when a mere five points separate the leading two contenders?

"Isn't it being exaggerated by folks?"

MotoGP correspondent Lewis Duncan responded, "Absolutely not. If you consider the remainder of this season's races, they've predominantly been thrilling. Particularly the initial segment of the championship. Exceptional competition. Plus, the fight for the championship has remained closely contested.

The championship spans 20 rounds, yet a compelling and dynamic contest for the title doesn't guarantee that all 20 Grand Prix races will be packed with non-stop excitement. It's unrealistic to expect a barrage of overtaking maneuvers in every race; that's simply not the nature of the sport.

"Clearly, witnessing the Pecco-Martin duel from the beginning, during, or at the conclusion of the Grand Prix would have been ideal."

"Many have commented, 'The addition of the chicane has ruined the Red Bull Ring.' However, I don't believe that's why the racing in Austria has been subpar recently. In my opinion, the issue lies solely with the motorcycles.

"There are numerous areas requiring acceleration from low speeds. Therefore, when there are devices that adjust the bike's height, allowing the rider to simply accelerate by turning the throttle, the variance in how riders come out of turns is minimal. This isn't beneficial."

"Furthermore, the aerodynamic aspects aren't contributing positively. Looking back at 2020, the races were exciting. Prior to that, arriving in Austria always promised an electrifying event. Therefore, I believe the track isn't at fault. It seems the design of the motorcycles is the issue."

"I'm not convinced by arguments suggesting that the GP24 is dulling the competition. There's been plenty of thrilling contests involving GP24s. Additionally, we've observed other brands contributing to the excitement."

"In essence, when a manufacturer or motorcycle leads the pack, the blame for any lack of excitement in the races shouldn't fall on them. Rather, the responsibility lies with the other competitors. Aprilia, KTM, and the Japanese manufacturers ought to step up their game. Ducati shouldn't be expected to hold back their development efforts.

"It would resemble observing the leading soccer team in the league deliberately moving in reverse to add some challenge to the match."

Currently, we're witnessing a scenario reminiscent of the much-discussed 'golden era', when Rossi and Lorenzo battled it out on identical Yamaha bikes. This period saw two competitors vying for the championship title with the same equipment.

"I'm eager to witness a bit more rivalry between Pecco and Martin on the track. It's something that's been lacking in recent years. However, that doesn't make the championship any less exciting."

Moreland responded, "It appears that many overlook the incredible races we've experienced, such as COTA, the showdown between Marquez and Bagnaia at Jerez, and even the excitement at Le Mans. Formula 1 enthusiasts would long for such action!"

Reflecting on 2003, the championship's leading five riders were all riding Hondas, and it was a safe bet that Rossi, Biaggi, and Gibernau would consistently lead the pack each weekend.

"It's impossible to achieve perfection in every competition; sports simply don't operate in that manner. Pete, what's your perspective on this?"

"Pete McLaren, the MotoGP editor for Crash.net, responded, "I believe that's all there is to it; occasionally, the top teams in football end up with 0-0 draws."

Austria's circuit is known for having the highest amount of full throttle usage, and as Lewis mentioned, this means there's less opportunity for a rider to influence the outcome. During a certain point in the race, the lead was held by three Ducatis, followed by two KTMs, and then two Aprilias. This pattern doesn't seem to be just by chance.

"Bastianini's performance serves as a notable example. Anticipations were high for his strength in the race's final stages, yet it didn't materialize. He attributed this to the numerous slow turns and intense accelerations, where, in his words, 'you spin like the others and can't do anything'. It's in the prolonged corners where Bastianini truly excels, thanks to his ability to preserve the rear tyre."

MotoGP has acknowledged the necessity for action [to empower riders with more control] and plans to alter regulations by abolishing ride height mechanisms and restricting aerodynamics in 2027. While this adjustment is some time off, it's inaccurate to judge an entire season based solely on a single race.

"McLaren noted a reversal in race dynamics, pointing out that intense competition for the lead typically occurs at the beginning, while the closing stages of races tend to be more subdued."

"Had the initial exchanges between Bagnaia and Martin in Austria, in both events, occurred closer to the end, we would have celebrated it as a fantastic duel. However, attacking early to take the lead and lessen tire strain has become a strategic approach nowadays."

"Perhaps, going forward, Martin should consider enhancing his initial performance strength. The speed comparison between him and Pecco revealed minimal differences, yet Pecco's timing in accelerating plays a crucial role in setting him apart."

Duncan mentioned, "Individuals often reminisce about the so-called good old days, though it's usually through a rather nostalgic and overly positive lens." He continued, "Folks mention Barcelona 2009, yet it had been years since there was a last-corner overtake before that event."

"History skews your viewpoint as you tend to recall only the positive moments. The forgettable races fade from memory, and in 5 to 10 years, we'll reflect on this season and reminisce about Jerez and the standout grands prix."

"This is simply the nature of how your mind operates. It isn't necessarily superior or inferior to any previous era. Additionally, having a variety of victors doesn't automatically equate to thrilling races."

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing text, photographs, or illustrations completely or in part is strictly prohibited in all formats.