At the MotoGP Qatar GP, Jorge Martín experienced a sudden drop in performance from the Sprint race to the main race. The reasons aren’t clear, but they might have been related to tyre performance, and Marco Melandri highlighted the importance of this component for overall performance.

The former rider told Corriere dello Sport: ‘There have been some races where I expect a setback for Martín because of the tyres: Michelin said the tire was fine, like the others, so it could have been a pressure problem. Martín is the one who has scored the most points in the last races, so I don’t think he suddenly… fell asleep’.

Melandri stressed that tyres have always been crucial: ‘The tyre makes the bike. It’s much easier to improve with a tyre than with a change in the bike: the secret to being fast is to put power or braking power on the ground in the correct way, and the tyre is the only thing directly related to the asphalt. It has always been like this’.

O conteúdo ‘The tyre makes the bike; it’s much easier to improve with a tyre’ – Marco Melandri aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

There was a lot of talk at the end of Sunday and yesterday about how Jorge Martin’s race may have been sabotaged in some way, with a rear tyre being at the root of the spaniard’s problems. Marco Melandri spoke about the issue and how, regardless of what is said, there is an interest on the part of the manufacturers in having their riders prevail.

The former rider, who has nine years’ experience in MotoGP, spoke about the subject to Corriere dello Sport, where he expressed his opinion that there is a clear favouritism towards Pecco Bagnaia on the part of Ducati, something that is natural in a world like the category that is a ‘business’:

– I haven’t criticised them for pushing for the factory team to win, but it bothers me that they deny it at all costs, even if they do it anyway. It can happen, after all, MotoGP is a business, and there are priorities.

Although on several occasions various members of the Ducati team have said that there is no preference as to which rider wins the world championship, the italian believes that this is not the case: ‘It’s normal that the factory team is favoured and has to bring more results, but it doesn’t make sense to deny it’.

O conteúdo Marco Melandri denies Ducati’s ‘indifference’ between Martin and Bagnaia: ‘It’s a business; There’s no point denying that the factory team is favoured’ aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.

Former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri shared his insights on the dynamics of MotoGP, particularly in the context of the ongoing championship battle between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin. Melandri, closely observing the title race, offered his perspective on the preferential treatment often given to official team riders over satellite team riders.

Melandri commented on the situation, saying, “I haven’t criticized them for pushing for the official team to win, but it bothers me that they deny it at all costs, even though they do it anyway.” He acknowledged that MotoGP is a business with hierarchies, and it’s normal for factory teams to be privileged and expected to deliver more results. However, he pointed out the lack of transparency in admitting this preference.

Regarding the race in Qatar, Melandri reflected on Martin’s performance, suggesting that a setback due to tire issues was inevitable. He speculated that Michelin’s assurance about the tire being fine might indicate a pressure problem. Melandri emphasized the crucial role of tires in MotoGP, stating, “The tire makes the bike. It’s much easier to improve with a tire than with a change in the bike.”

Looking ahead to Valencia, Melandri noted the different pressures facing Bagnaia and Martin. For Martin, there’s nothing to lose, which could make his approach more relaxed, but also disappointing, given the technical issues that might have cost him the title. Bagnaia, on the other hand, will be trying to limit risks and manage the situation carefully.

Melandri concluded with advice for both title contenders, suggesting that Bagnaia will wisely control Martin, including in tire choices, while Martin will likely take a more aggressive approach. He reminded everyone that championships are decided at the finish line, indicating that anything could happen, including the influence of weather conditions.

Melandri’s comments provide a seasoned racer’s view of the strategic and psychological aspects of competing for a MotoGP championship, highlighting the complexities and pressures of the sport.

O conteúdo ‘MotoGP is a business, with hierarchies, it is better for them if an official rider wins than a satellite one’ – Marco Melandri aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.