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abrilImpact of Argentine MotoGP Cargo Delay
The late arrival of MotoGP cargo made 16 riders from various teams affected by the delay in arriving at the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit, Argentina, on Friday.
This situation also forced Dorna Sports as the promoter to change the schedule. As a result of these changes, one free practice session (Free Practice/FP) for all classes was cancelled. As a result, there are no activities for the racers to do at the circuit on Friday (main photo).
Everyone knows motorcycle racing is a team sport. Although, the biggest responsibility to win the podium, victory or title, remains in the hands of the drivers.
However, all that cannot go smoothly, or at least according to plan and strategy, if the racer cannot get a motorbike with good performance and durability. These two factors are clearly related to preparation.
This is what they face at Termas de Rio Hondo. Two years (2020 and 2021) have not been used, practically the drivers and teams need significant time to determine the best suit.
Unfortunately, the problem of cargo delays cost the drivers a very valuable session. Now, they practically rely on the expertise and foresight of the mechanics in determining the best set-up for Termas de Rio Hondo.
With cargo arriving on Friday, it will take extra hard work to catch up with time and fight fatigue. A Mooney VR46 Racing Team crew explained how much total time it took in the pits to prepare.
“It took three hours to unload the cargo. Then, it takes another four hours just for one motorbike, to install all the components of the motorbike so that they are intact, "he said.
“If the cargo arrives on Friday morning, the work can take all day and finish on Saturday, without sleep. This feeling of exhaustion will definitely be felt in the body.”
As previously reported, this delay was related to the aircraft damage that occurred in Mombasa, Kenya. The absence of spare cargo planes – partly due to the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war – and the complexity of loading and unloading, forced the aircraft to be repaired on the spot.
Dorna Sports itself has not yet provided information whether there is a possibility of this incident being repeated for the next race in Austin, Texas, United States, next week.
“I hope the component cargo can arrive on time. Our own cargo is complete here," said Fabio Quartararo, MotoGP world champion from the factory Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team.
“This situation will be a challenge for the mechanics because they will have a lot of work and Saturday will be a long day. Although, this situation is clearly very good for television viewing."
Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who two weeks ago managed to dominate the MotoGP race on the wet track of the new Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, Indonesia, said that his team experienced a delay for one motorbike.
"But some other teams are all late. This will obviously be a challenge for mechanics and technicians," said the Portuguese racer.
Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) added: “It is very difficult for a team whose entire cargo is late because 48 hours of work now has to be completed in one day. But, thankfully all Pramac cargo has arrived here.
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