P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The MotoGP season finale being moved from the flood-affected Valencia to a repeat venue in Barcelona should have made for a more straightforward title showdown than originally scheduled. So far, it’s proved to be anything but…
The MotoGP season finale was relocated from Valencia to Barcelona due to flooding, potentially setting up a simpler title showdown between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, the top contenders who excelled in May’s Catalan Grand Prix at the same circuit. However, the Barcelona track conditions on Friday surprised everyone with lower grip levels than expected, despite Michelin providing expanded compound options to cope with cold weather. Riders like Brad Binder and Jack Miller were puzzled by the lack of grip, leading to cautious riding and slower lap times compared to May’s results. Augusto Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira also struggled with the unpredictable track surface, citing poor feedback and slippery white lines. The varying temperatures at Barcelona further complicated matters, with some riders questioning whether the conditions were suitable for a competitive MotoGP race.
