MotoGP Teams Seek Rule Clarity After Bagnaia's Ducati Emits Smoke at Japanese Grand Prix

TOKYO – The unusual circumstances surrounding Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati during the Japanese Grand Prix have prompted a number of MotoGP manufacturers to seek a more clearly defined protocol for handling similar incidents in the future.

Bagnaia, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, started the race at the Motegi circuit on October 4th from pole position and maintained a strong lead. However, with just five laps remaining, his Desmosedici GP23 began emitting a significant amount of smoke. This raised concerns about potential safety hazards and the application of existing regulations.

According to the official MotoGP rulebook, any mechanical or technical issue that poses a danger to the rider or other competitors on the track should trigger the display of a black flag with an orange circle, commonly known as the "meatball flag." This flag mandates the immediate retirement of the rider involved. Furthermore, any bike displaying such a flag must undergo a thorough inspection by race marshals before being permitted to return to the track.

In the Motegi incident, Danny Aldridge, the championship’s technical director, went directly to the Ducati garage to consult with Gigi Dall’Igna, the General Manager of Ducati Corse. Following Dall’Igna’s explanation regarding the source of the smoke, both Aldridge and race director Simon Crafar accepted the rationale and allowed Bagnaia to continue the race. Bagnaia ultimately secured his second victory of the season, finishing ahead of Fabio Quartararo.

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Several manufacturers have since voiced their discontent, questioning why the established protocol was seemingly bypassed in this instance. They are seeking a formal clarification from the governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), to ensure consistent application of the rules in all future scenarios.

The controversy is further fueled by a similar event that occurred just two weeks prior, during practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. In that instance, Jack Miller, then riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing team, experienced a comparable issue with his YZR-M1 emitting smoke. Miller took several corners to pull off the racing line, as his engine had not stopped and no warning message had appeared on his dashboard. This brief delay resulted in a penalty that sidelined Miller for ten minutes at the start of Saturday morning’s second free practice session.

The discrepancy between the handling of the two incidents has heightened concerns among manufacturers, leading to their demand for a written and universally applicable protocol.

A MotoGP team manager provided insight into the technical aspects of the situation: “All MotoGP bikes, as they run, generate an excess of oil. Each manufacturer has its own system to manage that surplus. Supposedly, the smoke from Pecco’s bike came from excess oil being burned by the heat of the exhaust pipe, in a theoretically controlled process.”

This explanation was seemingly accepted by race officials, allowing Bagnaia to continue without penalty. However, some remain skeptical about the potential dangers posed by the situation.

One source from a rival factory commented: “The smoke coming from a bike settles on the asphalt. If it happens for just a few meters, it’s no problem. But if it continues for three, four, or five laps, as that smoke cools it turns into oil – and that is indeed a danger for the others.”

The manufacturers are now pushing for answers and a concrete framework for future incidents.

“The questions we have are: What will happen next time? Does the word of a team principal prevail, or should the rulebook be applied? We need a clear protocol that is always enforced in the same way,” the source stated.

Furthermore, there is unease among some teams regarding the manner in which the situation was addressed during the race. The fact that the IRTA Technical Director consulted directly with Dall’Igna, and that this interaction was televised, has raised concerns about potential bias or preferential treatment.

“It didn’t give a good impression. That’s why we’ve also requested the implementation of a radio channel connecting all the teams with the Race Director and the championship’s sporting and technical director, so that any problems that arise on the track can be discussed immediately and internally," the source added.

The call for a dedicated radio channel highlights the desire for improved communication and transparency between teams and race officials. This would allow for real-time discussions and ensure that all parties are informed of potential issues and the rationale behind decisions made during the race.

The incident involving Bagnaia’s Ducati comes at a crucial point in the MotoGP season. Bagnaia is currently locked in a tight championship battle with Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing and Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Any inconsistency in the application of the rules could have significant implications for the outcome of the championship.

Bagnaia, who secured his first MotoGP World Championship title in 2022, has been a consistent frontrunner this season. His victory in Japan further solidified his position as a leading contender. However, the controversy surrounding his bike could potentially overshadow his achievements and raise questions about the fairness of the competition.

Ducati, as a manufacturer, has also been dominant in recent years. In 2022, Ducati secured the MotoGP Constructors’ Championship, and their riders have consistently challenged for race wins and podium finishes. The team’s strong performance has made them a target for scrutiny from rival manufacturers, who are keen to ensure a level playing field.

The FIM is expected to address the concerns raised by the manufacturers in the coming weeks. A formal statement or clarification of the rules is anticipated, along with a potential review of the existing protocols for handling technical issues during races. The outcome of this review could have a significant impact on the future of MotoGP and the way in which races are managed.

The call for a clearer protocol also underscores the increasing complexity of MotoGP technology. Modern MotoGP bikes are highly sophisticated machines, and even minor technical issues can have a significant impact on performance and safety. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that the rules and regulations keep pace to ensure fair competition and rider safety.

The upcoming races on the MotoGP calendar will be closely watched as the championship battle intensifies and the FIM addresses the concerns raised by the manufacturers. The resolution of this issue will be critical in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the sport. The next race is scheduled to be held in Mandalika International Street Circuit on October 13th.