Bagnaia’s Blunt Critique Targets Marquez’s Tow Tactics Amid MotoGP Qualifying Controversy

Pecco Bagnaia criticized for taking a jab at Marc Marquez over tow controversy

"Without a doubt, it's a jab at Marc, for sure…"

It has been implied that Pecco Bagnaia's labeling of tow tactics as “ridiculous” was directly targeted at Marc Marquez.

Marquez, while not the only one often looking for a slipstream during MotoGP qualifying sessions, is undoubtedly one of the primary culprits.

Bagnaia expressed his frustration last weekend at Silverstone, stating, "It's also necessary to point out that the current state of the qualifying rounds is absurd, especially when you have ten MotoGP competitors deliberately slowing down to tail other riders."

Neil Hodgson from TNT Sports remarked, "It's unmistakably a jab at Marc, without a doubt."

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

Bagnaia and Marquez continue to compete for the championship on distinct Ducati models, yet they are set to join forces in the primary team garage next season, a scenario that might lead to tension.

Currently, Marquez is facing criticism from Bagnaia for seeking a slipstream.

Sylvain Guintoli analyzed Marquez's performance during the Silverstone qualifying round, noting, "He was seeking assistance from another rider's slipstream. Usually, for Marc, everything falls into place.

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

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

"He had a strong start in the first sector, keeping pace, but then ended up trailing behind Marco Bezzecchi."

"It's unfair to fault Bezzecchi; he's merely attempting to complete his lap too!

"Regrettably for Marc, things did not turn out as planned. He was in need of that towing service. Taking the chance seemed justifiable."

Hodgson mentioned, "Marc felt frustrated because Bezzecchi had just been overtaken by his own team member. He entered the extensive curve and slowed down.

"Such occurrences are common, right? It's not that I'm against Marc; actually, I greatly admire him. However, he consistently seeks slipstreams during qualifying, and then he gets upset if anyone slows down!"

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

Several MotoGP riders, among them Aleix Espargaro and Fabio di Giannantonio, shared Bagnaia's disapproval of the strategy of slipstreaming for competitive advantage.

Bagnaia expressed his frustration, stating, "We're at the pinnacle of our profession. Being here means we're capable of handling things by ourselves, so this scenario seems quite absurd."

Hodgson responded, "I'm on his side. He's attempting to convey a message.

"The primary concern is security. If an individual is moving at a slower pace, there's a risk of colliding with the rear of another cyclist.

"In the lower categories, the Moto2 and 3 competitors pay close attention to every MotoGP round. They look up to these riders as their idols. It's crucial that the MotoGP participants cease their current actions.

Ultimately, it's in the hands of the caretakers.

Will Simon Crafar Impact the Sport?

Former rider and present MotoGP commentator, Simon Crafar, is set to take over from Freddie Spencer as the head of Race Direction starting next year.

The riders have greeted his appointment as the head of stewarding with enthusiasm.

"Guintoli expressed contentment, stating, 'It's a unanimous feeling that Simon being selected is wonderful. He's genuinely thrilled to be involved.'"

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

Guintoli emphasized the need for the introduction of regulations against slipstreaming. "Introducing this should be one of his initial actions," Guintoli remarked, referring to Crafar. "In fact, it should be implemented before the onset of next year."

Guintoli proposed setting a threshold for each split time, suggesting that racers should aim to stay within 110% to 120% of their quickest split to prevent decelerating.

"The greatest risk on the racecourse stems from the disparity in velocity. This is observed even at the highest tiers of competition, primarily due to strategic maneuvers.

"It serves as a poor role model."

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