P1racenews AI automatic summary:
LCR Honda rider Somkiat Chantra was lucky to escape without consequences after accidentally pulling the biggest wheelie that MotoGP has seen in many years exiting the final corner during first practice for this weekend’s Portuguese GP
During the first practice session at the Portuguese Grand Prix, LCR Honda rider Somkiat Chantra narrowly avoided a serious incident by unintentionally performing one of the biggest wheelies witnessed in MotoGP in many years.
Chantra’s unexpected wheelie was a result of a gear miscalculation and lack of electronic wheelie control in the sixth gear, making the bike lift dramatically and dangerously as he exited the final corner at Portimao.
Despite the scare, Chantra managed to regain control of the bike by adjusting his gear selection and riding technique in subsequent laps to avoid a potentially catastrophic situation.
The incident was likened to Max Biaggi’s celebration at Brno in 1998 and highlighted the challenges faced by premier-class rookies in handling the aerodynamic properties of modern MotoGP machines.
Fellow Honda rider Joan Mir acknowledged the ease with which a large wheelie can occur on the MotoGP bikes due to the aerodynamic effects of the front wings, emphasizing the importance of rider skill and bike adjustments to prevent such occurrences, especially on demanding tracks like Portimao with significant elevation changes.
