It was Race Director Mike Webb who, without messing around the bush, explained the reasons that led to the MotoGP race being postponed to 11:30 (9:30 GMT) to try and race tomorrow.
“The biggest problem we have with the new asphalt is that the water stands in some places. It does not drain in heavy rain – he said – This problem is even greater with MotoGP motorcycles because of their weight and performance. “
The forecast predicts a high probability of heavy rain around one in the afternoon, when the start of the premier class race was planned.
“The Grand Prix promoter asked us to prefer the MotoGP race because it was the most interesting for him. We talked to the teams and thought up this time – he continued – that will also allow us to postpone the start if necessary to wait for better conditions. “
There is no solution, just a game of chance that can only reward luck. Webb is aware of this.
“In the coming hours we will do everything in our power to limit the problem – he said – We also know that postponing the race won’t protect us from heavy rains, so what are we going to do in that case? Plan B is not a race. If the necessary safe conditions are not met, we will not let the drivers start. The same goes for Moto2 and Moto3although the lower classes suffer less from the problem of aquaplaning. Our goal is for all three classes to be able to race, but if it is not safe we will stop them. “
The races can neither be postponed to Monday nor rescheduled, so in the worst case they have to be canceled.
And then think about the future and correct the situation that has arisen.
“There are two incriminating points: Round 8 and Round 9. The situation there is the worst. A lot of water collects in the braking sections – Webb explains – The problem is that the slope of the asphalt has changed and the water cannot drain. With the light on the right, however, we saw that the situation allowed races. It is clear that we have to solve this problem for next year, as well as the problem with the dips. Franco Uncini, race track homologation manager for FIM, is already discussing it. “
The Formula 1 drivers, including Hamilton and Sainz, had already warned last month of the poor quality of the work done. “It feels like the old Nürburgring with so many sinks” Lewis criticized.
“We knew their opinion, but the track conditions change a lot depending on the temperature and we didn’t know what to expect. We will surely solve all problems with a view to next year“Concluded Webb.
Here is the new timetable for tomorrow (local time):
11:00 am – 11:20 am MotoGP Warm Up
11:30 am – 11:50 am Moto3 Warm Up
12:00 – 12:20 Moto2 Warm Up
1:30 am MotoGP race
3:00 a.m. Moto3 race
4:30 Moto2 race