MotoGP championship leader Francesco Bagnaia is pointing the finger at Michelin’s new rear tire for the rise in rider crashes this season.
The Italian rider’s title hopes took a hit when he crashed out of the lead during the British Grand Prix sprint race.
This incident, along with his rival Jorge Martin’s earlier crashes, highlights a growing trend. While Bagnaia acknowledges the improved lap times thanks to the grippier tire, he believes it’s causing a delicate balance.
The increased rear grip seems to be pushing the front tire’s limits, leading to more high-speed washouts. Francesco Bagnaia has taken full responsibility for his crash at Silverstone, admitting he pushed too hard into a corner.
Despite a strong start and recovering from an initial setback with the rear-height device, the Italian rider found himself in a perfect rhythm before the fateful error.
Bagnaia explained that he had been exceptionally fast through turn four all weekend but overcooked his entry on this particular lap, losing the front. He expressed regret for the mistake, acknowledging the team’s flawless performance and apologizing for their disappointment.
Tire choice proved challenging due to the demanding Silverstone circuit and inconsistent weather conditions. While opting for the medium tire seemed the safest choice, Bagnaia believes it was a compromise. He felt that the additional speed he carried into turn four was the primary factor in the crash.
