MotoGP’s Tyre Pressure Saga: A Rule That Risks Ridicule and Confusion at the Indonesian GP

Is MotoGP’s tyre pressure regulation causing embarrassment?

Tyre pressure controversy at the Indonesian GP becomes a hot topic in the newest Crash MotoGP podcast discussion

On this week's episode of the Crash.net MotoGP podcast, the focal point of conversation is the tyre pressure regulation that nearly cost Pedro Acosta a podium finish at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

The contentious rule, implemented in 2023, came under harsh examination once more last Sunday during the Indonesian Grand Prix when three competitors – Acosta, Brad Binder, and Takaaki Nakagami, were signaled for a potential infraction following the conclusion of the contest.

Acosta secured the runner-up position, and the final verdict was delayed until several hours post-race, by which point Acosta had already made a podium appearance and addressed the media in the post-race top three press conference.

A faulty wheel rim was identified as the reason behind the unusual pressure indicators, and he was subsequently exonerated.

After reviewing KTM's data alongside that of the stewards, Binder was exonerated, whereas Nakagami faced a penalty. However, these decisions marked a significant reversal from the stewards' earlier stance, which was to keep the results tentative until the Motegi investigation was fully concluded.

"When that notification slides in at the bottom of the screen at the race's conclusion, signaling a tyre pressure issue, a sense of apprehension sets in. You can't help but wonder 'who will it involve this time?'", noted Peter McLaren, MotoGP Editor for Crash.net.

"Typically, when someone is listed for that, they receive the punishment. However, this time was different. In this instance, we saw three riders under scrutiny, each resulting in a distinct conclusion, marking a first of its kind."

"We possess the wheel rim, and upon inspection, it was determined that Binder had not violated any regulations, whereas Nakagami had."

"No explanation was provided as to why Binder, upon inspection, was not deemed culpable."

"It appears that the issue was related to the sensors responsible for transmitting live data failing to send accurate information. Upon comparison with the data the team possessed, they were able to demonstrate that the problem had been resolved.

"To me, it seems like a regulation that was crafted by a group. It aims to satisfy too many individuals that it ultimately becomes overly intricate."

Observing Nakagami's performance, he was positioned five seconds behind Raul Fernandez and similarly, five seconds in front of [Alex] Rins, which evidently placed him in a pressured situation.

"However, he found himself with an advantage as nine riders did not complete the race. Considering that LCR had ended just behind Aleix Espargaro in the previous day's race, how could they have ever foreseen such an outcome?"

Crash.net's lead reporter Lewis Duncan stated: “It portrays MotoGP in a negative light. It really diminishes the prestige of the championship.

"From the start, this rule was flawed. It's been a topic of discussion for some time, considering the challenge of maintaining tyre pressures amidst the complexities of ride height mechanisms and aerodynamics, especially when everything depends on your qualifying position."

"However, if you manage to leap over 10 bikes ahead of you, it means your tire pressure isn't adjusted correctly. As a result, you'll face a penalty. It's quite absurd."

The aspect involving the stewards is also absurd. There's an automated mechanism designed to monitor tyre pressures, and once an issue is detected, they're required to thoroughly review the data. However, it's unreasonable for this process to extend beyond a press conference or a podium celebration, especially when discussing the situation with a rider who might not even be present.

"It's impossible. We received no clarification from the stewards or Dorna."

We inquired about the cause of the postponement, questioning their unexpected decision to push the outcome to Motegi, and then why they had abruptly come to a conclusion.

The sole response we received indicated that the task was completed more swiftly than anticipated. However, the question remains: what was their initial timeframe, and isn't it the responsibility of the stewards to thoroughly examine incidents until resolved, rather than deferring action to the following week?

"Absolutely," stated Jordan Moreland, the Social Media Manager for Crash.net.

"I wouldn't like to seem overly pessimistic, as I already expressed quite a bit of frustration at home yesterday during the anticipation of the verdict. I'll refrain from sharing the exact words I directed at my computer screen, but the delay in reaching a decision was truly vexing me."

"Frankly, it appears quite unpolished, and the current communication shortfall is seriously problematic."

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