[h=2]MOTOGP: Winglets hurting overtaking, Marquez says[/h] Saturday, 07 May 2016


RACER Staff
Honda rider Marc Marquez believes the growing array of winglets could be hampering overtaking in MotoGP.
Development of the aerodynamic add-ons has ramped up this season, with Suzuki and Aprilia having completed the set of manufacturers to use winglets during last month's Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.
During the post-race test at Jerez, Honda introduced a triple-stack solution on Marquez's bike, while Ducati has upped the stakes again at Le Mans this weekend with a new solution tailored to the French circuit.
When asked about the lack of late-race overtaking at the top of the order so far this year, Marquez suggested winglets could be a factor, along with the new-for-2016 Michelin tires.
"It's difficult to say, it's many things," he said. "We are trying to understand the tires, it's difficult to manage all the [race] pace because you don't know when they will drop [lap time]. And, another thing, the wings didn't help for the show, for the overtakes.
"This also can be a good reason, now it's starting to be kind of Formula 1. When you take the slipstream you don't have the downforce, then you have more wheelie, so it's more difficult to overtake."
Jorge Lorenzo, who will start Sunday's race at Le Mans from pole position, said he also did not have a clear answer for the lack of overtaking.
The Yamaha rider won the season opener at Qatar, at the front of a four-man pack, but the subsequent three were won by an average of 5.391 seconds.
"I don't know," the reigning world champion said. "This can happen because, for example in Qatar, were four riders very close almost all of the race. I don't know why it didn't happen until now. Obviously I hope that tomorrow it doesn't happen."