“Choice of scheduling” for MotoGP Valencia GP at 3pm called a significant error, Espargaro states
Crashes and Cold Conditions in Valencia MotoGP Season Finale
In a dramatic turn of events, the Valencia MotoGP season finale witnessed multiple crashes and challenging cold conditions. KTM factory rider Jack Miller, who was leading the race, unfortunately crashed out on lap 19. He was not alone in his misfortune as Alex Rins, Augusto Fernandez, and Enea Bastianini also found themselves in the gravel due to similar incidents.
The cooler temperatures during the race were caused by the decision to hold the season finale three weeks later than usual. Additionally, organizers rescheduled the start time for an hour later than its usual slot of 2pm to avoid overlapping with Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“It’s very difficult. You see why Pecco… Pecco is smart; he’s a very good rider and he understood that he was better not to lead today,”
said Factory Aprilia rider Espargaro reflecting on the challenging conditions.
Espargaro believes that if he had been leading instead of Miller, he would have “crashed the same” due to the “very cold” temperatures. Expressing his concern about starting at 3pm under such circumstances,
said Espargaro,
“[It was a] big mistake to put the race at 3pm, big mistake… It cooled down this afternoon… But we’re racing in late November here in Valencia.”
Despite feeling progressively colder throughout the race, commented Miller,
“I’m not going to blame that [the temperature]. It was the same conditions for everybody… Pecco managed to stay on the bike and win the race and win the championship.”
While Miller acknowledged that racing in late November in Valencia naturally brings cold weather, he praised Bagnaia for his victory. In fact, Bagnaia himself admitted feeling scared about the front tire during the last five laps of the race due to its hardness.
“In the last five laps I started to feel cold on the bike and I was very scared about the front tyre, it was hard,”
All in all, despite a thrilling season finale marred by crashes and challenging temperatures, Pecco Bagnaia emerged victorious as he skillfully navigated through these difficult conditions. The Valencia MotoGP will undoubtedly be remembered as an unpredictable battle against perplexing challenges.