Tyre issues force first bike swap in MotoGP

[bigsteve]

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,

[JZS 600]

They should have scrapped the race...


I get more than 14 laps on MY Bridgestones  :lol

[mr self destruct]

Well I thought it was a brilliant idea.


In fact, I reckon there should be a 'lucky dip' pit stop where you have to change to a random bike in the manufacturers range.


"And Marquez in for his mandatory bike change, what's he jumping onto? Oh it's a Vision 110, he won't be happy about that!"


"Lorenzo's just in, swapping to an MT-09. Shame, he'll run out of fuel before seeing the chequered flag."

[JZS 600]

You could play the joker at one race per year as well...