Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

MotoGP riders' ultimatum for COTA: Otherwise we won't come back here

MotoGP riders' ultimatum for COTA: "Otherwise we won't come back here"

03-10-2021 08:22 Last update: 09:38
3

GPblog.com

Several MotoGP riders have already expressed their concerns about the asphalt at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It is more bumpy than ever and causes dangerous situations. In the safety committee the problem has been discussed, and now the organisation seems to have no other choice than resurfacing the circuit.

MotoGP riders give COTA ultimatum

The surface the track is built on has a recurring problem: it expands when it holds water, then shrinks when it loses it. A cold winter and wet spring have made the problem even worse than usual.

Several riders complained about the condition of the asphalt, and to the safety committee they have now put forward minimum requirements that the circuit must meet. "If they don't resurface at least the first two sectors and part of the third sector, we won't be coming back here," said Suzuki rider Joan Mir according to The Race.

Not all riders are critical

Not all drivers are equally critical. Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez doesn't have a problem with it: "It's on the limit, but not over the limit", he says. Jack Miller, too, feels it's too difficult. "It's bumpy, but it's the same for everyone. You just have to find a way through it," said the Ducati rider.