MotoGP Mandalika 2024 Leaves Problems

JAKARTA The 2024 Mandalika MotoGP race leaves a problem that must be evaluated by the organizers so that it does not happen again in the years to come.

The problem is the handling carried out by the marshal of the Ducati Desmodici GP23 motorcycle which was ridden by Marc Marquez in Sunday's race, September 29, 2024.

In the main race, the six-time MotoGP world champion could not finish (DNF) because the motorbike he was driving emitted smoke and flames when the race had only been running 10 laps.

Marshal actually moved quickly to extinguish the fire, but the light fire extinguisher (APAR) used was not right, causing Marquez's motorbike to be completely damaged.

Marquez claims that the problem caused the team to lose a lot because the costs they will spend to repair the motorbike will be very large. You see, the damage that arises is quite severe.

"The fire here is not suitable so the motorbike is totally damaged, everything, including the brakes. This is very embarrassing because for the satellite team the cost is very large," Marquez said as quoted by Crash.

Failed to finish the race in Mandalika, Marquez is now 78 points adrift of the 2024 Mandalika MotoGP winner, Jorge Martin, at the top of the standings.

This difference in points makes the 31-year-old's hopes of getting this year's title even smaller. However, his chances have not been closed because there are still five series left this season.

Marquez also hopes that in the future the organizers must be able to minimize problems in an emergency situation so that drivers or teams are not harmed.

"One of the things that needs to be considered is that the fire extinguisher must be correct, or the latest technology. Otherwise, you can destroy the motorbike," said the Spaniard.

Currently Martin sits at the top of the standings with a collection of 366 points. As for Marquez in fourth place, behind the duo Ducati Lenovo Team, Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini.

The five remaining series in this year's calendar start in a row from Japan (4-6 October), Australia (18-20 October), Thailand (25-27 October), Malaysia (1-3 November), and the top series in Valencia on 15-17 November 2024.