Guenther Steiner, head of the Tech3 team, has shared his perplexity regarding the situation of MotoGP motorcycles that remain in the box during race weekends without the presence of substitute riders, a practice he does not fully understand.
Rider Maverick Vinales had to miss last month’s Spanish Grand Prix after undergoing muscle surgery, leaving the team without a second rider to compete in the Jerez event. Currently, Vinales is still in recovery following injuries sustained in the previous season.
Steiner has ensured that this situation is not unique to his team, as MotoGP is studying the implementation of a system similar to that of Formula 1, where substitute riders would be mandatory. This measure aims to avoid cases like that in Jerez, where a bike was left stationary and unable to compete.
Pol Espargaro, who has attended several races as a commentator, expressed that the idea of introducing reserve riders is valid, although he acknowledges that comparing MotoGP to Formula 1 is not entirely appropriate. The difference in risk that a rider assumes when replacing a teammate in a Grand Prix is considerable.
Furthermore, Espargaro commented that he would be willing to take on a substitute role if the opportunity arose, as long as his physical condition allows it. Currently, he is recovering from an injury and will not be able to assist Vinales in the upcoming events.
The situation regarding Vinales has generated frustration for both him and Espargaro, who knows firsthand the challenges posed by injuries and the pressure to return to competition. The health of the rider, in this case, is the priority, but the need for a quick response system within the team is evident.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_180bb04dfe7146c497d8f3b24c4d0317b81b2e4c