19-10-13, 09:05 PM
Tyre problems have forced dramatic changes to Sunday's Australian Grand Prix where riders will have to change their bikes mid-race for the first time in MotoGP. Phillip Island's new tarmac saw defending MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo clock a record lap during qualifying to take pole on Saturday, but also contributed to excessive degradation to the Bridgestone tyres, stoking fears for riders' safety. Officials have shaved the race by a lap to 26 and ordered all riders to take a mandatory pitstop in an embarrassment for the tyre providers and organisers.
"We have been notified by Bridgestone that they are unable to guarantee safety of their rear slick tyres beyond 14 laps," Race Direction said in a statement. "This means that a bike/tyre change before lap 12 will require a second bike/tyre change to finish the race." While certain to annoy riders and their teams, the overhaul will add intrigue to the battle between Lorenzo and champion-in-waiting Marc Marquez,
"We have been notified by Bridgestone that they are unable to guarantee safety of their rear slick tyres beyond 14 laps," Race Direction said in a statement. "This means that a bike/tyre change before lap 12 will require a second bike/tyre change to finish the race." While certain to annoy riders and their teams, the overhaul will add intrigue to the battle between Lorenzo and champion-in-waiting Marc Marquez,