MotoGP: DRC's Bharat GP Preview
MotoGP comes to India for first time, Buddh International Circuit in depth, top speed record to be broken? And everything you need to know about the Indian Oil Grand Prix of India
MotoGP comes to India for the first time after a decade of Formula 1’s two years of racing back in 2011 to 2013. IndianOil is to title sponsor the Indian GP and thus will be called IndianOil Grand Prix of India 2023. Indian GP will be held at Buddh International Circuit, Dankaur near Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the same venue where Formula 1 was held. Will see in-depth about BIC ahead. The Uttar Pradesh government allocated Rs. 8 crore for this event and looks forward to executing the event smoothly.
Buddh International Circuit:
This circuit was inaugurated on 18 October 2011 to host its first international event, “Formula One Indian Grand Prix” held in the same month on inauguration. This circuit so built so wonderfully that it took only minor changes to get approval from FIM.
This circuit has a whopping 41 boxes, the most among all circuits on the current calendar. Just above garages, a changing/cooldown room facility for all teams/riders is available. This means there is no need for a truck which we usually see riders use for cooldown.
As this circuit has hosted Formula 1 GP previously and now going to host a MotoGP event, needless to say, both FIA and FIM have approved the track layout as per rules. Let’s look at the differences between the two tracks.
There are two significant changes:
Chicane from turn 5 to turn 7 is removed
Parabolic between turns 10 and 11 is shortened or brought to the inner side.
These changes were made to ensure safety and improve the quality of racing by FIM. Keep in mind that such provisions have been available since the inaugural should governing bodies need to use them.
Let's talk about the details of BIC for the upcoming Grand Prix:
Total length: 4.96km
Total width: 12m
Longest straight: 1006m
Total corners: 13
Right-handers: 8
Left-handers: 5
Long lap penalty: Turn 3
Pit lane entry: Turn 13
New fastest speed record at BIC?
It is speculated that BIC’s longest straight might beat the previous fastest speed record and the new record will cross 370kmph speed. To support these speculations, two factors are involved viz., 1006m straight with halfway decline. In our opinion, it is not possible to achieve such speed even with 1006m and halfway declining track because of exit speed from turn 3 which is around 60kmph on first gear.
Currently, the fastest top speed record is held by Brad Binder on KTM at Mugello, 366.1kmph. One significant factor involved in achieving such top speed is corner exit speed. At Mugello, turn 15 is parabolic with an exit speed of around 150kmph. The rider can continue to build upon speed through the pit straight which resulted in Brad Binder’s top speed record.
BIC’s turn 3 doesn’t allow it to carry such speed at the exit and hence, it’s difficult to see the speed record broken. But, hey! You never know until it happens, fingers crossed.
Rules and schedule changes:
Warm-up timing change: The Grand Prix Commission has decided to start warmup 5 min earlier to allow riders to set up their bike more efficiently. Now warm-up session will be for 15min.
Wildcard entry change: Maximum wildcard entries at an event have now increased to 3 whereas previously 2. In a situation when applicants have already been allocated an equal number of wildcard entries then the decision will be based on current and, at the beginning of the season, previous season rankings in the Constructor Championship with lower-placed factories having priority.
Definition of the finish of a lap: On very rare occasions there are situations where a rider becomes separated from his machine and they cross the finish line separately. The following regulation has been approved to address this issue. In case the rider is not in contact with the machine, the finish time is determined by the first part of the rider or machine to cross the finish line, whichever arrives last. In all cases, any infractions including but not limited to track limits and advantage gained will be taken into account when determining the validity of the lap. This includes cases where the machine and rider are separated, in which case both machine and rider will be taken into account in determining infractions.
Grid changes:
Alex Rins, who is still recovering from injury will be replaced by Stefan Bradl, Honda’s test rider.
Enea Bastianini will be replaced by Michelle Pierro on the factory Ducati.
Whom to look out for?
Ducati as usual in the hands of Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi are definitely to look out for victory. Marco is yet to regain his victorious form but, I am looking at least a podium for the VR46 rider. Martin on the other hand looks confident more than ever to continue his winning run after the San Marino GP. Pecco despite injury has shown masterful performance at Misano, he even managed to claw final place at the podium. We won’t be surprised to repeat such a performance.
KTM ridden by Brad Binder is another top dog at the moment. Last weekend we saw Dani Pedrosa’s sensational P4 finish at the sprint and main race. Dani’s inputs will surely help Brad Binder to ascend in position, potentially to the podium.
We know some of you will be shocked to read this, Marc Marquez will show an amazing performance despite Honda’s debacle. Marc is an absolute monster when it comes to new tracks. Take COTA for an example, it was the debut of the circuit and Marc Marquez in MotoGP where Marc came out to be victorious. The same goes with ThaiGP and you guessed it right, Marc was P1. To strengthen Marc’s chances in the Southeast Asia region, his experience with these weather conditions will definitely help more than others. Watch out for Marc Marquez, there is a reason why he is called ‘alien’.
What about the rest?
Aprilia might play a spoiler as Aleix Espargaro believes his bike is overall a better package than Ducati. Asked if the Ducati was the best bike on the grid currently after Misano, Espargaro said:
"Here yes, in general, no.”
"I mean, when there is not a lot of front grip and we can release the front brake [early]… for example [in the grand prix] in corner 13 I was a lot faster than the guys in front of me, but it's just one corner on this track where I can release the front brakes unfortunately.”
"So, in this type of track, Ducati and KTM are better than Aprilia. In a track where you can release the front brake, carry corner speed, accelerate slowly, Aprilia is better."
Yamaha will continue to find pace and gain maximum points on offerings, podium is still a distant dream for the Japanese factory team.
Who stays and who leaves?
There are two changes for 2024 grid positions:
Takaaki Nakagami will stay with LCR Honda Idemitsu for 2024, announced officially on 19 September 2023.
It was yesterday, 18 September 2023 Prima Pramac Racing announced that Franco Morbidelli (current Yamaha rider) will race for them in 2024. Supposedly Franco asked for a salary hike as he is beating former World Champion Fabio Quartararo.
Can Jorge Martin be a real challenge for Francesco Bagnaia?
Jorge Martin has picked up pace in the past few races. In lieu of Pecco’s right leg injury, Jorge managed to bring full points on both outings at Misano. Both Ducati riders are coming to the Indian GP with 36 points separating each other.
It is clear that Pecco is still not at 100% fitness, and Martin would definitely benefit from these circumstances as he did at Misano. Martin is looking more confident than ever and has started believing in himself that he can be a world champion.
Are we going to see a new, satellite team rider as a world champion for the 2023 season? We would like to see that.
Overall Indian GP will be that new sensation that is needed for everyone. Teams and riders will be put through tests of might and skill. Even for all Indians, the MotoGP event will develop new interests in motorsports.
Here is IndianOil Grand of India 2023 weekend schedule for you:
