MotoGP riders are calling for urgent safety measures at Turn 1 in Barcelona, following a series of high-speed incidents and crashes. The latest incident involved Johann Zarco, who collided with Pecco Bagnaia and Luca Marini during the restart, resulting in leg injuries for Zarco and raising concerns about the safety of the circuit.
The Barcelona braking zone has a history of major incidents, with Takaaki Nakagami and Enea Bastianini also involved in significant crashes in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Riders like Jack Miller have previously suggested moving the start line closer to Turn 1 to reduce speeds, but this has not been implemented.
After the latest crash, VR46 Ducati rider Fabio di Giannantonio supported the idea of moving the start line closer to Turn 1, stating that starting too far from the first corner results in high speeds and a lack of a defined braking point. He believes that a small mistake can become a big disaster, and that starting closer to the first corner would allow riders to manage their speed and avoid accidents.
2020 world champion Joan Mir agreed with di Giannantonio, emphasizing the narrow margin for error at the first corner, where 20 bikes are stopping from 300 km/h. Mir suggested moving the grid forward to reduce speeds and improve safety.
The high speeds and dirty air at Turn 1 create additional challenges, as riders lose braking downforce, making it difficult to manage and precise. This issue is further exacerbated during the Sprint and Grand Prix races, where riders experience unique conditions.
The calls for safety changes at Turn 1 highlight the ongoing challenges in MotoGP racing, particularly at high-speed circuits. As the sport continues to evolve, ensuring the safety of riders and spectators remains a critical priority, and these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for continuous improvement in circuit design and safety measures.
