MotoGP in Jerez – qualifying excitement is the program / MotoGP

Without question, the two races on the MotoGP weekend will also be amazing attractions in Jerez. Saturday afternoon’s sprint (3pm) and Sunday’s Grand Prix at 2pm promise the best post-season racing so far.

Until then, the starting lineup must first be decided. And especially here, Jerez also promises a special drama. The level course, short circuit of 4.42 km and relatively low average (160 km per h) usually leads to very short gaps in Andalusia.

Since it is the most important thing in the MotoGP class to start the race from a good starting position, the fiercest battle for the best starting positions is inevitable in Jerez de la Frontera. The reasons for the extreme importance of having the best starting position are, on the one hand, the incredible performance density of all the top drivers, even over the entire race distance. With the exception of the starting lap, the elite can fit all around in the time window of the second half. The race pace of all drivers fighting for points is also within half a second under normal (dry) track conditions. Large time periods cannot be closed.

There is also a standing start format. Since not all participants go through the first corner equally quickly, the initial gap opens after each start, depending on the order. Anything pushing into the first corner from the third row onwards has a higher “traffic jam” risk. Even with a short delay, adjustments or bumps, two to three seconds are immediately lost. From midfield onwards, the risk of stalling and thus finding yourself behind is almost incalculable.

In a perfect world, you start the competition from one of the top three spots for the best summary. If the beginning goes well, the risk of losing the fight is very low. If the pilot is able to reach the top within two to three seconds of the starting circle, then there is still a good chance of a top result. If a driver is seven to eight seconds behind from the second lap onwards, it is difficult to win given the current level of performance.

In addition, it is not easy to pass on every race track. In 2024, this applies more than ever: there are no easy tricks to get past and every action must be thought out and then executed consistently. Despite the narrow roads, there are roads less suitable than Jerez in this regard. For good feel and front grip, there are three good stopping options on the Circuito (the end of the two straight ends and the approach to the last left-hand bend (Curva Jorge Lorenzo).

Which doesn’t change the absolute need for a good starting position. Things get really bad for the MotoGP stars on Friday afternoon. The times recorded here already count towards qualifying 2. Anyone who doesn’t make it here will have a very difficult time in the race. high results to arrive

The rule of thumb at Jerez is that the first 10 pilots come together in half a second. Hundreds decide. In 2023 there was 0.2 seconds between the front row and the last position on the third row. Aleix Espargaro took the pole position. The first five GP races all started from the first two rows. However, the winner Pecco Bagnaia “only” left the start in fifth place.

What is certain is that all participants, drivers and technicians will give everything to be at the top of the training and qualifying competition. So it will be worth not turning on the screen until the sprint.

MotoGP schedule – Jerez 2024