P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Espargaro: Tyre penalty deciding title "worse" image for MotoGP than Morbidelli slap
The 2023 MotoGP championship between Bagnaia and Martin will be determined in the final grand prix in Valencia. Martin is currently 14 points behind Bagnaia after winning the sprint race on Saturday. Bagnaia needs to finish at least fifth to secure his second title. Saturday’s sprint race saw the first tire pressure penalties issued, with Morbidelli and Marini receiving three-second penalties for running below the minimum front pressure for the second time this season. Both Bagnaia and Martin have already received official warnings for the same offense earlier in the season, which means a transgression in the grand prix would result in a penalty. This has raised concerns that the championship could be decided by factors beyond the riders’ control. Aprilia’s Espargaro expressed his worries about this rule, stating that it could ruin the championship and create a worse image than his altercation with Morbidelli in Qatar. Morbidelli also highlighted that something is not working with the rule and hopes for proactive solutions.
