After several months of disputes within the Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA), the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) announced, less than two weeks ago, the decision taken at one of the last meetings of the Grand Prix Commission , which It will lead to the prohibition of the front height device from next year.
This is the first of the steps that are being taken and that will probably lead, already in 2024, to prohibit the use of that same system on the rear axle, to allow its use exclusively at the time of departure.
As is logical, Ducati and its riders confronted the rest of the manufacturers throughout this process, until the parties reached an agreement – there is no option to transfer a change in the regulations to the Grand Prix Commission if it is not unanimously, or for a security issue.
However, this outcome generates another debate: How should we interpret the prohibition of an element that is absolutely within the legal framework of technical regulations?
This same question was transferred to Aleix Espargaró this Thursday, in the run-up to the Argentine Grand Prix which, if all goes well, should start on Saturday, and the Aprilia rider was very clear in his answer, which is usual for him .
“I don’t want to be controversial, but I think the championship should raise the level of its engineers. I’m referring to those from IRTA -Association of Teams, who are in charge of ensuring compliance with the rules-“, declared Espargaró, before developing his response.
“It is impossible for them to find and hire better engineers than those already in the teams, and the clearest example of the forward height device is Gigi Dall’Igna . But they do have to be smarter and go ahead,” he added. the eldest of the brothers from Granollers (Barcelona).
One can perfectly understand the meaning of what #41 asks for. Another thing is that it is something feasible if we take into account, as he says, the level of many technicians who, as is the case with Dall’Igna, are specialists in looking for the gray areas of the regulations.
In fact, even the technical department of the Formula 1 World Championship, which experienced a major upheaval this winter in the aerodynamic aspect of single-seaters, recently acknowledged having been surprised by the minimalist design of the Mercedes W13 pontoons.
“I like to see new interpretations, but I have to say I wasn’t expecting this one. I’m impressed with how they get the air flowing and cool the car,” said Pat Symonds , F1’s technical director.
