The gravel traps at the Mandalika circuit have once again generated controversy after Fabio Quartararo was injured in a crash during the Indonesian Grand Prix practices. This situation has led to an intense debate about the safety of this track, which had already been the subject of criticism a year ago.
The situation worsened for Quartararo halfway through the session when he lost control of his Yamaha. After an initially smooth landing on the asphalt, his fall worsened upon hitting the gravel, lifting him off the ground.
Although he was able to continue competing and managed to qualify for Q2, he admitted to feeling “a bit sore” the next day. At the press conference after the session, he appeared with ice on his calf, mentioning an injury to his thumb and pain in his neck and shoulder.
The rider expressed his concerns about the gravel traps, emphasizing the need to equalize their height with the asphalt. “I think it’s a little higher, so when you get there, it just throws you in the air. The worst is going into the gravel, which hurts a lot,” he commented. He even referenced Marc Márquez‘s crash during the opening day the previous year.
Another crash, that of Enea Bastianini from Tech3 KTM, illustrated the same issue, although he emerged unscathed. Both Quartararo and Bastianini agreed on the need for improvements to the gravel sections, especially at turn 9.
Márquez, who had previously criticized the circuit’s safety, reiterated the importance of addressing the situation. He stated that changes are essential to prevent damage to both riders and bikes. “When you are at high speed, falling into the gravel is dangerous,” he admitted.
The riders have asked the organization to add effective solutions to ensure the safety of competitors. The riders’ panel cannot review every corner of the circuit, and it is essential for the authorities to take appropriate measures.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
