Tire Pressure Violations: Which MotoGP Riders Are Close to Serving A Penalty?
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 17th October 2023
In 2023, MotoGP revolutionizes its tire pressure regulation. Find out which riders were under the pressure minimum and are about to be penalized.
Since the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, a minimum tire pressure regulation has been in effect for MotoGP, applicable to Michelin’s supplied tires.
Riders in the premier class face severe consequences if they fall below this minimum pressure, with the possibility of disqualification.
In the past, each MotoGP team used their own tire pressure sensors. However, in 2023, a standardized system was introduced, mandatory for all bikes, ensuring consistent measurements.
The sensors are checked before and after the race to ensure they function correctly. If operational, the sensors monitor during the race whether the minimum pressure is undercut in a lap.
These values, varying for front and rear tires and based on the track, are determined by Michelin for each race.
This verification occurs only during sprints and races, with no consequences for other sessions. Falling below the minimum pressure during a sprint or Grand Prix results in time penalties.
A first offense leads to a warning. Any further violation results in a time penalty. This penalty system is temporary, allowing teams to adjust to the new minimum pressures.
| 1st violation | Warning |
| 2nd violation | 3-second penalty |
| 3rd violation | 6-second penalty |
| 4th violation | 12-second penalty |
Disqualification upon the first violation will be enforced at a later time, determined by MotoGP stewards, led by former world champion Freddy Spencer.
Several riders have violated the regulation since its implementation. Here’s a list of all violations so far:
| Rider | # of violations | Grand Prix |
|---|---|---|
| Maverick Vinales | 1 | Catalunya Grand Prix |
| Dani Pedrosa | 1 | San Marino Grand Prix |
| Aleix Espargaro | 2 | Indonesian Grand Prix, Thailand Grand Prix |
| Marco Bezzecchi | 1 | Indonesian Grand Prix |
| Franco Morbidelli | 1 | Indonesian Grand Prix |
| Raul Fernandez | 1 | Indonesian Grand Prix |
| Pol Espargaro | 1 | Thailand Grand Prix |
| Jorge Martin | 1 | Thailand Grand Prix |
| Marc Marquez | 1 | Thailand Grand Prix |
| Francesco Bagnaia | 1 | Malaysian Grand Prix |
| Luca Marini | 1 | Malaysian Grand Prix |
| Alvaro Bautista | 1 | Malaysian Grand Prix |
| Enea Bastianini | 1 | Malaysian Grand Prix |
| Iker Lecuona | 1 | Malaysian Grand Prix |
| Johann Zarco | 1 | Qatar Grand Prix |
| Augusto Fernandez | 1 | Qatar Grand Prix |
| Jack Miller | 1 | Qatar Grand Prix |
| Alex Marquez | 1 | Qatar Grand Prix |
