Casey Stoner Voices Concerns Over New Stability Control in MotoGP
Former two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner has expressed significant concerns regarding the introduction of an anti-highside aid during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. His comments, made after the first free practice session at the Red Bull Ring on Friday, echoed sentiments previously shared by top riders such as Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta.
The Rise of Engineering Over Riding Skills
Stoner’s critique centers around the stability control system, which he argues reflects a troubling trend in MotoGP similar to past mistakes made in Formula 1. He stated, “At this point, we are creating champions out of engineers instead of riders.” This shift, according to Stoner, signals a move towards an era reminiscent of Formula 1’s historical blunders.
He noted the numerous instances in the past where similar technologies failed to deliver the promised safety and performance benefits. “We’ve seen all these examples of systems that didn’t work, yet we continue to follow the paths that Formula 1 has taken years to correct,” he remarked.
The Impact of Advanced Electronics
Stoner highlighted the introduction of advanced electronics this weekend, stating, “They’ve brought a whole other level of electronics.” He described a scenario where an experienced rider could twist the throttle of a bike boasting nearly 300 horsepower without any immediate response, which he finds alarming.
“The best riders in the world are now riding bikes that are becoming increasingly easier to handle, which is not something I find appealing,” he explained. He lamented the loss of control over the bike’s behavior, particularly regarding throttle response. Reflecting on his own experience, he noted that during testing, he had to refrain from using the clutch while entering corners, as it complicated the system’s performance.
The Erosion of Skill in Riding
Stoner criticized the diminishing role of rider skill in today’s racing environment. He asserted that the current setup requires riders to focus less on technique and more on simply braking hard and entering corners. “The conversations among riders reveal that they can just twist the throttle and press a button that alters the bike’s characteristics,” he observed. “There’s simply too much going on with these systems.”
He rejected the notion that the stability control system was added for safety reasons. “Removing control from the rear of the bike doesn’t enhance safety; it eliminates the fear associated with riding,” he contended. This, he argued, could lead to riders pushing harder, ultimately resulting in more dangerous situations if they were to lose the front end of their bikes.
Potential Consequences of New Technologies
Stoner raised concerns about the implications of making the rear of the bike more stable. He warned that as safety is enhanced at the rear, the front end could become more unpredictable. “The more secure the rear becomes, the more risky the front end becomes,” he elaborated. “We’ve seen how catastrophic results can occur when a rider loses control at the front.”
He also pointed out that advancements in technology could lead to increased top speeds, which would compress the margins for error during braking. “As riders approach their limits, the thresholds for making mistakes become razor-thin,” he noted.
Practice Session Insights
Stoner’s observations were echoed during the practice sessions that followed his press conference. Although there were no high-side incidents, several riders struggled with braking, leading to off-track excursions. Notably, Enea Bastianini experienced multiple instances where he overshot his braking points.
The challenging braking conditions at the Spielberg circuit were evident, as the top riders who managed to maintain control during braking emerged as the frontrunners in the session.
Concerns About Future Regulations
Looking ahead, Stoner was not optimistic about the planned reductions in aerodynamics and engine capacity set for MotoGP in 2027, along with the ban on ride-height devices. When asked whether he felt these regulations were sufficient, he replied, “Not even remotely close.”
He elaborated that making the bikes lighter would lead to shorter braking distances, which could ultimately hinder performance. “With lighter bikes, top speeds will decrease since ride-height devices will be eliminated, resulting in shorter braking points and fewer overtaking opportunities,” he explained.
Stoner also pointed out the potential issues related to aerodynamics, stating, “Even with the planned restrictions, teams will still utilize winglets and might achieve higher cornering speeds. This could lead to turbulent air affecting lighter bikes, creating ongoing stability challenges.”
The Financial Implications of Aerodynamics
Stoner didn’t shy away from addressing the financial aspects of aerodynamics in MotoGP. “A few years ago, we discussed how motorcycle racing was grappling with costs. Now, focusing on aerodynamics is only exacerbating the financial strain,” he noted.
He expressed confusion over why stakeholders in the MotoGP community appeared oblivious to the problems stemming from these technological advancements. “Every step taken in this direction seems to push the sport further into complications,” he concluded.
Conclusion
As MotoGP continues to evolve, the balance between safety, technology, and rider skill remains a contentious issue. The introduction of advanced systems like the stability control raises important questions about the future of motorcycle racing and the essence of what it means to be a champion. Stoner’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the core values of the sport, ensuring that the thrill of racing is not lost in the pursuit of technological advancement.
In light of these developments, it will be interesting to see how the ongoing discussions surrounding safety, technology, and rider skill unfold in the coming races and seasons. The perspectives of seasoned champions like Stoner will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of MotoGP.
