The recent MotoGP race at Silverstone has brought to light an ongoing issue with ride-height devices, despite the sport's ban on holeshot devices. Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura, both front-row starters, encountered problems with their rear ride-height devices, causing them to drop places at the start. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the ban and the safety of these devices.
Martin, who was set to lose the lead to Raul Fernandez, ran deep into Turn 1 due to his stuck rear ride-height device. Ogura, also on an Aprilia, suffered a similar fate and tumbled down the order. Both riders were able to continue, but the incident highlights the potential dangers of these devices.
The rear ride-height device is primarily used while accelerating out of slow corners, but riders also deploy it at the start to get a better launch. This device caused problems for both Martin and Ogura, with Martin even recovering to finish second behind Fernandez. Ogura, however, crashed out later in the race after failing to regain ground on his rival.
The British GP weekend marked only the second weekend since MotoGP banned the holeshot device in the wake of a crash-filled Catalan GP. However, it is important to note that all bikes are still equipped with a rear ride-height adjusting device. Riders, however, feel crashes at the start are inevitable, as it is the easiest opportunity to gain multiple places in an era where aerodynamics have made it harder for bikes to follow each other later in the race.
The issue with ride-height devices has been a long-standing problem, with complaints about the devices refusing to disengage despite the riders applying the required brake pressure. The change in regulations at the Sachsenring specifically targeted the front holeshot devices, but some riders have called for a ban on rear devices as well.
In my opinion, the ban on holeshot devices has not been entirely effective in reducing the risks associated with these devices. While the increased space between riders on the grid is a step in the right direction, it is not a long-term solution. Personally, I think that the sport should consider a complete ban on ride-height devices, as they pose a significant risk to riders and spectators alike. What makes this particularly fascinating is the ongoing debate about the safety of these devices, and the potential implications for the sport's future.
One thing that immediately stands out is the need for a more comprehensive approach to device regulation. What many people don't realize is that the ban on holeshot devices has not addressed the underlying issue of device safety. If you take a step back and think about it, it becomes clear that a complete ban on ride-height devices is the only way to ensure the safety of riders and spectators. This raises a deeper question about the balance between innovation and safety in the sport.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fact that riders continue to face issues with ride-height devices at race starts. What this really suggests is that the sport needs to re-evaluate its approach to device regulation and prioritize safety over innovation. In my opinion, the sport should consider a complete ban on ride-height devices, as well as increased testing and inspection of devices to ensure their safety and reliability.
In conclusion, the incident at Silverstone highlights the ongoing issue with ride-height devices in MotoGP. While the sport has taken steps to address the problem, more needs to be done to ensure the safety of riders and spectators. Personally, I think that a complete ban on ride-height devices is the only way to ensure the sport's long-term safety and success.
