Electronic changes on the agenda
Added on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
The battle between Rossi, Pedrosa and Stoner fell away in mid-season.
The row over electronic aids looks set to be opened up once again as MotoGP chiefs look set to meet over proposals to limit the influence of computer engineering in the sport.
A number of riders, including current and former world champions Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, have spoken out over the seemingly growing influence of electronic aids such as traction control and engine management in MotoGP, with some going as far as claiming the championship has become “boring” as a result, pointing to a number of processional races seen in 2008.
With a single tyre regulation being brought in to reduce costs and improve safety, many believe that the reigning in of electronic aids is the next item on the agenda for the sports’ promoters.
In an interview with Motosprint, head of MotoGP commercial rights-holder Dorna Carmelo Ezpeleta hinted that the issue of electronics was being discussed, but wholesale changes are not on the agenda for the 2009 season.
“We need to get down to discuss it, as it’s been done in every motor racing series,” he said.
“I’ve asked the manufacturers to look for a solution, to start talking, but we won’t see anything in 2009. We’ll need more time.
“However, regulating electronics will be the next step.”
He did however refute the claims from many top riders that the sport is becoming less exciting, pointing to the early stages of the season when a thrilling title chase looked to be developing between Rossi, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo.
“2008 has been a great championship: Valentino, Casey and Dani did incredible things,” said Ezpeleta.
“It must not be thought that Valentino won easily, he made incredible efforts and he won thanks to his genius. And he has shown his genius to the entire world, so this is a spectacle of the highest level. You only need to remember the Laguna Seca race.
“This was a season where Valentino’s strategy counted a lot, and he won because he put Stoner under pressure. And if we add to this Pedrosa, who until mid-season was ahead, the level this year was extremely high. So the title for us has extraordinary value.”
