Whether it was those sitting on the beach in Bali or those on the long flight home to see loved ones, they all had time to think about how they were going to face the next four weeks. It’s a month that will test everyone involved in MotoGP™ to the absolute limit before the world title is decided. 30 hectic days of racing for the last 148 points at stake in the World Championship, busy travel schedules, the need to stay healthy and watch what you eat, checking that the air conditioning is not not too strong and watch the weather. Never in the 75 years of Grand Prix history have the stakes been so high in such a short time. It is the law of the strongest.
The introduction of the Tissot Sprint last year and those precious 12 extra points every weekend gave a completely different approach to the title race. With 37 units available at each Grand Prix instead of the traditional 25, it seems certain that the duel between Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia will be decided in Valencia in a month.
Before that, we will be entitled to three Grands Prix in two weeks on sites where the weather conditions are often contrasting and unpredictable. Australia’s magnificent Phillip Island Circuit is legendary for its ability to provide us with all four seasons in a single day, and even more over a three-day weekend. Add in the Bass Strait wind and you’ll need clothing for all seasons, while Michelin brings its full range of tires. It’s no wonder that Phillip Island was the scene of the first ever flag-to-flag race in 2006. It’s not out of the question that it could happen again on Sunday. Then, head to Thailand and Malaysia. One thing is certain: it will be hot, very hot, but the rain is not as predictable. When it rains there, it’s no laughing matter. These downpours can ruin practice and qualifying programs and lead to unpredictable flag-to-flag races. Then a week at home before Valencia, just before the winter break. On the Mediterranean coast of Spain, in November, the sun and warmth of autumn can be there, while the cold reminds us that winter is approaching.
It’s clear that these unpredictable weather conditions are a challenge for teams and drivers on track, but they also pose problems of a much more personal nature. Drivers and team members are human beings, and keeping them fit and healthy is crucial when chasing a world title. Temperature variations, frequent flights, food changes and sheer fatigue can put a damper on plans. I sometimes felt pretty bad working in a stuffy commentary booth, tired from jet lag and having overindulged in the local cuisine the day before, but that was nothing compared to what a pilot or key member of a team had to endure to obtain results. I remember on our first visit to Shah Alam, Malaysia, we had to go to the medical center after spending a desperate day trying to find a toilet between practice sessions.
The quest for a world title was very different in the past. In 1983, Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts competed for the 500cc World Championship. After Freddie Spencer’s victory in front of the “King” on the last lap of the penultimate round at Anderstorp in Sweden, the two men are separated by five points before the final clash at Imola. The problem is that the wait is four weeks between the two Grands Prix. Kenny Roberts went home to play golf and Freddie Spencer flew out to spend time with his family. They came back refreshed to conclude the season. With just 15 points at stake, Freddie Spencer finished second and became the youngest 500cc World Champion in history, while Kenny won his final Grand Prix that day.
The last four weeks of the season are completely different for Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia. Kenny Roberts was more concerned about improving his golf skills than competing in three Grands Prix and the intensity of the air conditioning.
