Espargaro Sounds Alarm Over Surging MotoGP Downforce: ‘Our Arms Are the Same, But the Bikes Are Like F1 Cars

Aleix Espargaro: 'MotoGP bikes have become similar to F1 cars, but our arms haven't changed'

"The level of downforce in MotoGP is excessive for the human body"

Aleix Espargaro has voiced his worries about the additional physical effort needed to ride a MotoGP bike for an entire race because of the high downforce levels.

The Aprilia rider was one of many competitors who pointed out the physical stress on the arms from racing a 1000cc bike for 23 laps at Mugello during the recent Italian Grand Prix.

The added downforce increases the bikes' weight during turns, yet it enhances their overall lap speed.

Enhanced performance, along with advancements in various fields like tire technology, has led MotoGP to regularly set new lap and race records this season.

Espargaro mentioned that although the bikes have become quicker due to increased downforce, the riders' arm strength hasn't changed over the past decade.

"You may increase the downforce and the bike’s weight, but your arm strength and muscle power remain unchanged."

"We might be in better shape now compared to a decade ago, but our bodies remain the same… The bikes resemble Formula One cars, and the lap times are incredibly quick."

Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati clinched the win at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, finishing the race in 40 minutes and 51.385 seconds. This time was a remarkable 25.478 seconds faster than his previous year's winning time.

Despite falling from sixth place last year to eleventh at Mugello this season, Espargaro managed to cut his race time by 17.204 seconds. However, the Spanish rider admitted that completing another lap was beyond his capability.

"Just one more lap and I would have had to quit, it's incredible," Espargaro remarked, highlighting the immense pressure on his arms. "The motorcycle was extremely aggressive and jittery, and I couldn't accelerate any longer. I couldn't brake properly. For the last 8 to 10 laps, I was only able to brake using one finger."

"It was clear that our setup at Mugello wasn't ideal, but I believe that was the case for most teams. This suggests that the downforce levels in MotoGP overall are exceeding what the human body can handle. It's simply too high."

As Espargaro plans to step away from full-time racing at the conclusion of this season, he remarked on the rapid improvement in performance, suggesting, "It would be great if the 2027 regulations were implemented in 2025 or 2026! A bit sooner… but that's not really my concern anymore!"

The technical regulations for 2027 will reduce performance in several aspects, such as aerodynamics.

He expressed a wish that they would become slower but less physically demanding, noting that they are currently very physical and have astounding downforce.

According to Espargaro, downforce does have its advantages, as it makes the main straight crest at Mugello significantly safer by keeping the front wheel firmly on the ground.

"The Suzuki used to lift into a wheelie when I tried to brake at 350 km/h, but now I can even rest one hand on the fuel tank! It's incredibly simple. I must admit, the wings on the bikes at Mugello definitely enhance safety. Absolutely."

Espargaro, who is speculated to join Honda as a test rider next year, is anticipated to participate in at least one wild-card race each season going forward.

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