Imagine this: the roar of MotoGP engines, the thrill of the race, all potentially shifted to a different day! Could the 2025 Australian MotoGP be racing on Saturday instead of Sunday? This isn't just a random thought; it's a real possibility, and here's why.
In 2023, the race organizers made a bold move. They moved the main Grand Prix to Saturday afternoon due to a concerning weather forecast for Sunday. The predictions included extreme wind gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, a 70-80% chance of rain, and cold temperatures. The Saturday race went off without a hitch, but the weather on Sunday turned nasty, forcing the Sprint race to be canceled.
Now, fast forward to the upcoming race. While the Sunday forecast isn't as dire this time, there are still concerns. High winds, ranging from 40-55 km/h, are expected.
Alex Rins, a seasoned MotoGP rider, weighed in on the situation, stating, "What is the limit? I don’t know, it depends a lot on the direction that the wind is coming from and things like this." He added that the riders will discuss the matter in the Safety Commission on Friday.
But here's where it gets controversial... The MotoGP rules allow riders to remove their wings at Phillip Island to counter dangerous crosswinds. However, Rins mentioned that removing the wings might do more harm than good in this scenario.
Remember the 2022 Australian MotoGP? Qualifying was postponed until Sunday morning because of extreme winds, which caused a scary accident for Miguel Oliveira.
So, what do you think? Should the race organizers consider moving the 2025 Australian MotoGP to Saturday to ensure the race goes ahead safely? Do you think the riders should remove their wings, or is that too risky? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
