After Jerez Sprint: Teams want more precise instructions for pit entry

– After the controversial scene involving Marc Marquez at the MotoGP sprint in Jerez, Aprilia is calling for clearer regulations for the pit lane entry. Although the Ducati rider did not violate any rules on his way to victory, both Aprilia and Ducati see room for improvement in the regulations.

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Specifically, it concerns the situation after Marquez’s crash in the final corner. The Spaniard resumed the race and decided to change motorcycles due to the rainy conditions – it was a “flag-to-flag” race.

In doing so, he drove towards the pit lane, although he had already passed the official entry, and crossed an unclearly regulated outer area, partly over the grass. A scene that sparked discussions in the paddock, although Marquez acted within the framework of the currently valid regulations.

“That needs to be corrected because it is not clearly defined in the regulations,” criticizes Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora to the official MotoGP website.

Because currently only the pit exit is clearly regulated. “The entry to the pit lane must be defined much more precisely. After the possible advantage gained by this maneuver, there should be a more detailed discussion,” says Bonora.

Ducati: It was not a rule violation, but …

Ducati also sees a need for clarification, despite the fact that Marquez acted according to the rules. “The fact is that Marc did not commit a rule violation,” states team manager Davide Tardozzi on Sky. “Nevertheless, every opportunity should be used to improve the situation. I don’t know exactly what can be done, but if there is a way to make the situation even clearer, all the better.”

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At the same time, Tardozzi emphasizes his rider’s cautious driving style: “I just want to emphasize that Marc – as the regulations provide – did something that some noticed: He waited before safely crossing the track.”

Nevertheless, the scene caused mixed reactions in the paddock. “If he is not punished for that, honestly, that is very strange,” said Johann Zarco shortly after the incident. However, no sanction was imposed because Marquez neither drove against the direction of travel nor obstructed other riders on the track.

More precise rules after Jerez controversy?

Regarding the pit lane entry, it was established in Jerez that crossing the white line on the inside of the pit lane (left) is prohibited, as this could provide a time advantage. However, the outer area, precisely the section Marquez used, was not explicitly regulated.

If the scene leads to a rule adjustment, it would not be an isolated case. Last year, Marquez triggered a chain reaction at the Grand Prix in Austin with a spontaneous motorcycle change before the start.

Several riders followed his example, after which the race management stopped the start and subsequently revised the procedures with new, more concrete rules.

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