MotoGP riders slam “embarrassing” traffic in COTA qualifying

The problem of riders backing off and waiting for faster competitors to come by, before latching onto the back of them and taking profit of the slipstream, has been a constant problem in Moto3 and prompted the introduction of harsh sanctions to combat this.

But the problem has also plagued many MotoGP sessions, including Q1 at the Americas Grand Prix on Saturday.

Suzuki’s Alex Rins, who made it through Q1 along with poleman Jorge Martin, says MotoGP must get stricter on this problem to act as an example to the other classes.

“It’s unacceptable,” Rins fumed having been affected by traffic in qualifying. 

“We are the big boys, we need to give example to the others.

“I don’t have words to describe the feeling. I was in pushing in Q1, then four or five riders in front stopped.

“It makes no sense, it’s so dangerous. They need to do something.

“I was thinking now maybe for the qualifying time, five seconds between one rider and the other rider. Like this it’s more difficult to close the throttle, or at least you can see who is the guy who closes the throttle and penalise him.

“We are MotoGP riders, not Moto3. We talk every safety commission about this and every race is it’s the same.”

Darryn Binder, RNF MotoGP Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro was also hindered by this in Q1, taking aim at “embarrassing” antics from LCR Honda’s Alex Marquez, but also conceded he shouldn’t have let it detract his focus and lead him to the crash which left him 13th on the grid.

“It’s embarrassing,” Espargaro said.

“I have to say that today was my fault, because I’m in a very good position leading, feeling good with the bike.

“So, I cannot lose the focus. I need to be more focused, do my job.

“But I