Two‑time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia dismissed two of the safety measures proposed by series chief Carlos Ezpeleta during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
Rider’s rejection of holeshot and grid‑spacing ideas
After finishing seventh in Saturday’s sprint, Bagnaia argued that eliminating the front‑and‑rear holeshot devices would not substantially lower crash rates. He also rejected the notion of widening the space between grid rows or limiting each row to two riders, insisting that such adjustments would offer little improvement.
The Ducati rider emphasized that the current format of 44 race starts per season, combined with a tightly matched field, contributes more to the surge in incidents than the suggested equipment tweaks.
Context and rider involvement in safety talks
Ezpeleta’s safety agenda, prompted by the injury‑laden Catalan Grand Prix where Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco suffered serious wounds, outlined four areas for immediate review. Bagnaia, known for vocal advocacy on safety, reported that twelve riders attended the Mugello safety commission meeting – a larger turnout than typical weekends but still short of full rider representation.
He called for universal rider presence at future sessions, noting the increased attendance as a positive step that should continue to grow.
As the paddock heads toward the next round, the dialogue between riders and officials will likely shape the practical safety framework for the remainder of the season.
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