Bagnaia contradicts Marc Marquez over controversial MotoGP rule change
Bagnaia has a message for those complaining (Credit: Apex Agency)
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Francesco Bagnaia has shed new light on the decision-making behind MotoGP's controversial 2027 weekend format changes.
From next year, there will be two qualifying sessions, one for the sprint race and another for the Grand Prix.
Previously, one qualifying set the grid for both races, but the new proposal adds more competitive action to Friday’s running.
Not everyone is a fan, though, with Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez particularly vocal, while nine-time champion Marc Marquez agreed with them.
Acosta and Alex Marquez claimed they weren’t consulted, with both using the words ‘you either accept it or you leave’.
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However, Bagnaia has pointed out that isn’t quite the case.
The three-time world champion says he was one of those consulted, as he chose to attend the Safety Commission meeting ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Bagnaia reveals riders agreed to MotoGP rule change
Bagnaia explained: “All of us riders on the Safety Commission in Japan - there were four of us, as always - agreed on the new format.
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In a more pointed message to those complaining, Bagnaia continued: “Carlos Ezpeleta [MotoGP deputy CEO] asked for our opinion - he came to talk to us.
“They hadn’t told us what they were going to discuss, but the others never come. Not even when there are important matters to address.
“Overall, there were four of us; we asked, we received a thorough answer, and we were in agreement.
“Would the discussion have had more impact if all the riders had been present? Definitely yes.”
Bagnaia feels those complaining should've attended the meeting (Credit: Apex Agency)
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MotoGP riders divided over Safety Commission meetings
Unlike Formula 1, MotoGP doesn’t have a riders' association to represent such issues despite various attempts over the years.
The lack of attendance at MotoGP Safety Commission meetings has become an increasing theme this season.
In April, Tech3’s Enea Bastianini went into depth as to why such disagreements are occurring and admitted he has stopped attending the meetings.
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“We have the Safety Commission. It's very difficult to talk in the Safety Commission,” he said. “I'm trying to be satisfied for the future.
“We talk a lot about safety. Every time we talk about safety, but not every time does something change. I'm a bit disappointed about it.
“This year, I've never stayed in the Safety Commission because I haven't seen a lot of difference, to be honest.”
Later in May, Honda’s Luca Marini expressed his own frustration at the disconnect as one of the riders who regularly attends alongside Bagnaia.
“From my point of view, the real problem with this is that we cannot be all together as riders,” he said.
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“It's really difficult to be in the same direction with all the same ideas because everybody thinks on his own."
Marquez predicts F1-style riders' association
As to what happens next, Marc Marquez thinks an F1-style Grand Prix Drivers’ Association will eventually come to fruition.
“The problem with MotoGP is that the average age is very young,” he said. “Everyone looks after their own interests, we are selfish, and it is difficult to make people see reason.
“Sooner or later, the association will be formed, as happens in Formula 1.”
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