Espargaro: Tyre penalty deciding title "worse" image for MotoGP than Morbidelli slap
Aleix Espargaro has warned that a tyre pressure penalty deciding the 2023 MotoGP title on Sunday would be worse for the image of the championship than his slap to Franco Morbidelli.
The 2023 MotoGP championship battle between Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin will be decided in Sunday’s grand prix final in Valencia.
After winning the sprint on Saturday, Martin now trails Bagnaia by just 14 points, with the latter needing to finish at least fifth to ensure his second crown.
Saturday saw the first tyre pressure penalties issued in a sprint, with Morbidelli and Luca Marini getting three-second penalties for committing a second offence this season of running underneath the minimum front pressure.
Both Martin and Bagnaia have received an official warning for this already this season, meaning a transgression in the grand prix would result in a three-second penalty.
This has given rise to fears that the title could be decided by something totally out of the riders’ control.
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro says this outcome would be a worse image for MotoGP than him slapping Morbidelli during practice in Qatar.
“Yesterday [Friday], the safety commission was one topic,” Espargaro began.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Team
“We push a lot Carlos Ezpeleta [Dorna sporting director], because we said a lot to Carlos that it’s not about Michelin – it’s about the championship.
“This rule is going to ruin the championship. And the rules are made by the championship, not by the brands.
“So, we asked Carlos to protect us because, with this rule next year, the standings are going to be based on the penalties – 100%.
“Tomorrow [Sunday] will be more problems because the temperature for tomorrow looks like it’s going to be colder, four, five degrees less.
“So, it means to understand the right pressure is going to be more difficult.”
“F*****g hell. If one penalty decides the championship, the image for the championship is worse than what I did to Morbidelli.”
Morbidelli added that “something is not quite working here” with the rule and hopes for a “proactive” solution to the problem.
“If you want to speak about the regulation or the tyres, something is not quite working here.
“We can all understand that something is not right and something needs to be better. We can all understand that. And I hope that clever and proactive solutions will be taken.”
10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix
10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix 10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix
Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi
Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid
"Big mistake" to hold MotoGP Valencia GP at 3pm, says Espargaro
"Big mistake" to hold MotoGP Valencia GP at 3pm, says Espargaro "Big mistake" to hold MotoGP Valencia GP at 3pm, says Espargaro
Morbidelli "has no respect for anybody" in MotoGP - Espargaro
Morbidelli "has no respect for anybody" in MotoGP - Espargaro Morbidelli "has no respect for anybody" in MotoGP - Espargaro
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
Espargaro hit with Qatar MotoGP grid drop and fine after Morbidelli slap
Espargaro hit with Qatar MotoGP grid drop and fine after Morbidelli slap Espargaro hit with Qatar MotoGP grid drop and fine after Morbidelli slap
Aprilia withdraws new MotoGP clutch system after rival complaint
Aprilia withdraws new MotoGP clutch system after rival complaint Aprilia withdraws new MotoGP clutch system after rival complaint
Why 2021 is Aprilia's most important MotoGP season
Why 2021 is Aprilia's most important MotoGP season Why 2021 is Aprilia's most important MotoGP season
William Byron leads stout NASCAR contingent at Snowball Derby
William Byron leads stout NASCAR contingent at Snowball Derby William Byron leads stout NASCAR contingent at Snowball Derby
2024 F1 grid: What is next season's Formula 1 driver lineup?
2024 F1 grid: What is next season's Formula 1 driver lineup? 2024 F1 grid: What is next season's Formula 1 driver lineup?
10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix
10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix 10 things we learned from the 2023 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix
Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi
Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi Marquez "will raise the level" of Ducati's MotoGP competitiveness – Tardozzi
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.