Bagnaia’s Blunt Critique of Tow Tactics Targets Marquez: Tensions Rise in MotoGP Qualifying Drama

Pecco Bagnaia Faces Accusations of Criticizing Marc Marquez Over Tow Claims

"Without a doubt, it's a criticism aimed at Marc, no question about it…"

It has been proposed that Pecco Bagnaia's labeling of tow tactics as "ridiculous" was specifically directed at Marc Marquez.

Marquez, while not the only one often looking for a slipstream in MotoGP qualifying, is unmistakably among the primary culprits.

Bagnaia expressed his frustration last weekend at Silverstone, criticizing the current state of qualifying: "It's absurd that ten MotoGP competitors can afford to reduce their speed just to tail behind others during qualifying sessions."

TNT Sports' Neil Hodgson commented, "It's certainly a direct jab at Marc, no doubt about it.

"He initiated it during his time in MotoGP while riding for Honda."

Bagnaia and Marquez, currently competing for the championship on distinct Ducati models, will join forces in the official team garage next season, a scenario that has the potential for tension.

Currently, Marquez is facing criticism from Bagnaia for his strategy of slipstreaming.

Sylvain Guintoli analyzed Marquez's performance during the Silverstone qualifying round, noting, "He was seeking a slipstream. Generally, for Marc, everything falls into place.

"He appears quite astute in his search for a track role."

Regrettably, his efforts were in vain. He found himself trapped.

He performed well in the initial sector, remaining competitive, but ended up trailing behind Marco Bezzecchi.

"It's unfair to hold Bezzecchi accountable; he's merely attempting to complete his lap!

Regrettably for Marc, things didn't go as planned. He really required that tow. Taking the chance seemed justifiable.

Hodgson mentioned, "Marc felt frustrated because Bezzecchi had already been overtaken by his team member. He entered the lengthy turn and slowed down."

It occurs, doesn't it? I don't have anything against Marc, actually, I greatly admire him. However, he constantly seeks slipstreams during qualifying, and then, if someone slows down, he gets upset!

"Let's be real, you can't play both sides!"

Bagnaia's disapproval of using slipstream strategies was shared by several other MotoGP competitors, such as Aleix Espargaro and Fabio di Giannantonio.

Bagnaia expressed frustration, stating, "We're at the pinnacle of our sport. Our presence here signifies our capability to handle things independently, making the current circumstances quite absurd."

Hodgson responded, "I concur with his views. He's attempting to convey a message."

"The primary concern revolves around security. Should an individual be moving at a slower pace, there's a risk of colliding with a rider ahead."

"In the lower categories, the phenomenon is even more pronounced. Riders in Moto2 and Moto3 closely follow each MotoGP race. They idolize the competitors in the premier class. It's crucial for the MotoGP racers to cease their current actions."

It ultimately rests with the guardians.

Will Simon Crafar Have an Impact?

Former rider and present MotoGP commentator, Simon Crafar, is set to take over Freddie Spencer's role at the helm of Race Direction starting next year.

The riders have warmly received his appointment to the leading role in stewardship.

"Guintoli expressed satisfaction, saying everyone is pleased with Simon's selection. He's thrilled to be involved."

"It seems like he's going to be excellent."

Guintoli emphasized the necessity of implementing regulations to address the issue of slipstreaming. "Implementing this should be one of his initial actions," Guintoli mentioned regarding Crafar. "It ought to be put in place before the upcoming year, truly."

Guintoli proposed a rule: "Establish a baseline duration for each segment. Your time must fall within 110% to 120% of your quickest segment time. This prevents you from reducing speed.

"The greatest risk on the racetrack stems from varying speeds. This is evident even at the highest levels of competition, often due to strategic maneuvers."

"It creates a negative precedent."

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