Marc Marquez has openly expressed frustration about the introduction of a MotoGP new pre-race protocol modeled after Formula 1’s ceremony, which requires all riders to gather at the front of the grid to honor the host nation’s flag before the Sunday race. This change, starting from the San Marino Grand Prix, has caused unease among riders who feel it disrupts their customary pre-race routines and concentration.
The modification mandates that every rider must leave their designated grid position and stand collectively during the national anthem, a practice long established in Formula 1 but new to MotoGP. Previously, riders remained near their individual spots, allowing them time for personal preparation or interactions with technicians prior to the race start. The new directive by race promoters aims for a more unified respect ceremony but has met resistance from some competitors.
Details and Reaction to the Revised Pre-Race Arrangements
When asked about the protocol shift, Marc Marquez admitted to learning about it only through the media shortly before the event, which added to his frustration.
“I wasn’t aware of it, to be honest. They keep asking us for more and more; one day we’ll explode. But we don’t decide these kinds of things,”
Marquez said, highlighting the lack of rider input in such decisions.
The Spaniard’s irritation stemmed from the last-minute nature of the announcement, interrupting what had been a relatively routine day at Misano. For Marquez, maintaining focus before the race is crucial, making sudden procedural shifts particularly unwelcome when they interfere with mental readiness and race strategy finalization.
Marc Marquez’s Practice Performance and Weekend Progress
After a tough weekend at the Catalan GP, where he was outperformed by his younger brother Alex Marquez, Marc returned strongly by setting the fastest time in the main practice session on Friday at Misano. Despite initially struggling in the first free practice session (FP1), finishing approximately a quarter-second behind the top pace, a strategic reset helped him improve significantly during the hour-long session.
Marquez enjoyed a 0.147-second advantage over his closest competitor, Marco Bezzecchi, a result signaling positive adaptation to the challenging track conditions. Reflecting on his earlier difficulties, he noted the stiffness and shaking felt through the bike, which affected his confidence and riding style.
“In Catalunya, I was not far, it was only Alex who was faster than me,”
said Marquez.
“It looks like this weekend all the Italian riders are starting in a very good shape from FP1. In fact, in FP1, I was struggling, I was fighting against the bike, I felt everything. Coming from Catalunya, I arrived here and I was not the only one [at the front].”
He further elaborated,
“The feeling was super stiff with the bike and shaking everywhere. But then I did a reset for the practice and then I started to ride in a different way. I did a step on the riding style and also the team helped me with the set-up.”
These adjustments were instrumental in overcoming the initial issues and allowed him to set competitive lap times.
Challenges Posed by Misano Track and Bike Setup
Although topping the timesheet, Marquez explained that the bike’s behavior at Misano still presented significant challenges related to grip and braking.
“Here from the first run, the bike was super stiff because of the very high grip,”
he remarked, noting how the short track layout and gearbox altered the bike’s power delivery.
He addressed the contrast with Catalunya’s circuit:
“And also it was like very hard brake points. In Catalunya you need to release the brake and use the corner speed. Here it is completely the opposite.”
This adaptation to Misano’s characteristics requires a different riding approach, illustrating the technical complexities he faces.
Marquez remains hopeful about the track’s suitability for his style and its potential to help him progress towards his seventh premier class championship. He reflected on the surface,
“Grip is super good, but always very small bumps, not big bumps. It’s like small ripples. It’s shaking, but it’s shaking for everybody, so it’s acceptable.”
Potential Impact of New Protocol on Riders’ Preparation and Race Atmosphere
The introduction of the F1-inspired pre-race ceremony is likely to continue sparking debate among riders and teams, as it imposes new demands on their pre-race routines. While the race promoters aim to elevate the event’s ceremonial aspect and unify the grid during the national anthem, the protocol’s effect on rider focus and mental preparation remains a concern.
Given Marc Marquez’s candid remarks, it is clear that the riders seek better communication and involvement in decisions affecting race day procedures. The ongoing tension between tradition and new spectacle formats could influence how MotoGP balances competitor preferences with event presentation moving forward.
