Marc Marquez wants Safety Commission to ban the controversial ‘ride-height/holeshot device’ amid fears it could push GP bikes to unsafe levels.
The six-time MotoGP champion believed that the device is not just an added complication but could also affect riders’ safety at tracks that don’t offer long run-offs.
“For me it’s something that for the future they must remove. I already said last year when I arrived after my injury.
“I think all the riders need to go together (safety commission).
“Manufacturers will always go more, more and more, but now with more stroke on the rear, more speed, more stroke on the front, it’s difficult to engage on the start procedure.
“For the show we don’t gain anything. Okay it’s a prototype, but for street bikes, you don’t need the holeshot.
“The aerodynamics I agree with because it’s nice and new things, but the holeshot system; always the run-off areas are trying to be increased, you are arriving faster on the break points and braking later, so for the future there is no sense,” said the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, 2020 MotoGP world champion Joan Mir thinks the technology is just too much for the sport.
“For me, it’s starting to be too much.
“Every time we arrive faster into the straight; we will reach 370kmph soon. The layouts are the same and for sure it’s more performance.
“Also, on the acceleration side it’s more difficult to make a difference. If you use everything then it’s more performance but it’s not the best thing for safety,” said the Suzuki rider.
However, last season’s runner-up, Francesco Bagnaia, revealed that he has no problem using a device that Ducati pioneered in the first place.
The ride-height device allows riders to push the suspension down to improve stability, and while it was used at the start of a race, Ducati expanded it to be used in motion. This allows riders to exit corners at higher speeds and slingshot onto a straight.
While other manufacturers are relying on every bit of technology to ensure they maintain to compete at the highest level, Suzuki is known to walk on the road less travelled.
The rear ride height device is a system that allows the rear of the motorcycle to squat, lowing the centre of gravity which subsequently adds grip.
This means less electronic intervention and ultimately helps riders gain a faster lap time.
What begins as a device that helps achieve better traction at the start of the race, some manufacturers, especially Ducati, have adopted the technology during the race, with a system called the front ride height device.
During the recently concluded Sepang Test, Ducati has seen testing the front ride height device on the GP22, reported by Crash.net.
The Ducati GP22 can now lower its front and rear at the start of a race and during corner exit.
However, during Suzuki’s team conference, team manager, Shinichi Sahara, confirmed that they are currently not interested in expanding the system during races.
“Our bike height adjustment system only works for the start. During the race and during the race action, this system does not work for us,” he said.
At this point, it’s no longer a surprise that Suzuki decided to hold off the front ride height device as the team is the last to jump on the bandwagon for the rear height device.
Suzuki is always known to be lacking in adapting to new technology not only in world championship racing but also in production bikes.
Nonetheless, Sahara reveals that the team might look into the front height device beyond the 2022 season.
“We understand how to build it, we understand the method to develop it, but we are not thinking of doing it, at least not this year,” he added.
Suzuki is currently at Mandalika Circuit in Indonesia as the team prepares for its second pre-season test ahead of the 2022 MotoGP season.
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