MotoGP, Sportrik Media – The thick smoke from Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi has ignited major concerns among manufacturers, demanding transparent race protocols to avoid unfairness. This incident tests not only rider safety but also gaps in MotoGP's technical rule enforcement.
On October 4, 2025, Bagnaia started from pole at Motegi and dominated until the final five laps, when his Desmosedici began emitting increasingly dense smoke. Per FIM regulations, any mechanical issue posing risk to the rider or competitors should trigger a black flag with an orange circle, forcing immediate retirement. Instead, championship technical director Danny Aldridge headed straight to the Ducati garage to consult with general manager Gigi Dall’Igna. After the technical explanation, Aldridge and race director Simon Crafar accepted it, allowing Bagnaia to continue and secure his second win of the season. However, this contrasts sharply with a similar case two weeks earlier at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Jack Miller of the Yamaha team received a 10-minute penalty for his M1 emitting smoke during practice, despite quickly moving off-line.
Deeper analysis reveals the smoke stemmed from excess oil burning due to exhaust heat, a process Ducati claimed was controlled. An anonymous team manager told Motorsport.com, “All MotoGP bikes generate surplus oil while running, and each manufacturer manages it differently.” Yet, rival factories question the risk assessment. “Smoke settling on the asphalt cools into oil after laps, endangering others,” a source from another producer emphasized, highlighting overlooked safety hazards. Consequently, the event influenced the standings, with Bagnaia extending his lead over rivals like Jorge Martin, despite Ducati's season dominance.
Manufacturers' demands grow urgent: a written protocol for consistency, not reliant on team principals' words. “What happens next time? Does a principal's explanation override the rulebook?” the source queried. Furthermore, they criticized Aldridge's televised garage visit as damaging neutrality. Thus, a direct radio channel linking teams, the race director, and IRTA IRTA technical/sporting directors is proposed for immediate, internal track issue discussions. Compared to Miller's strict enforcement, which hampered Yamaha's prep, this reveals imbalances favoring giants over smaller outfits like Pramac.
In the long term, these calls could transform MotoGP's 2026 protocols, ensuring equity between powerhouses like Ducati and underdogs. Race director Simon Crafar and Danny Aldridge face a credibility test, while Bagnaia eyes the title. Forward, such transparency is vital for the sport's integrity.
The Motegi incident encapsulates MotoGP's challenge: technical innovation versus safety. With new protocols, the championship could level the field, boosting underdogs.
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