The Indian Grand Prix, scheduled for this Sunday, will see a reduction in race distance due to scorching heat conditions at the Buddh International Circuit. Additionally, the sprint race, set for this afternoon, has also been shortened.
Hot Debut at Buddh Circuit
MotoGP riders had their first taste of the Hermann Tilke-designed Buddh International Circuit on Friday. They underwent two extended 70-minute practice sessions to familiarise themselves with the venue.
Despite unanimous praise for the circuit’s layout, which offers technical challenges and a variety of corners, the extreme heat in Delhi posed a significant challenge. Riders found it physically demanding to complete long stints in the sweltering conditions.
Comparable to Asian Heat
Some riders even likened the conditions to those experienced at venues like Sepang and Buriram, known for their high temperatures. Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati expressed, “You feel like you are burning on the back straight, you start to feel your throat burning, your legs burning.”
Safety Concerns Raised
Following the second practice session, riders raised concern with race control regarding the challenging weather conditions. Safety became a primary concern due to the extreme heat.
Race Distance Adjustments
In response to the riders’ concerns, race organisers decided to modify the race distances. The sprint race, originally scheduled for 12 laps, will now run for 11 laps. Similarly, the main race distance has been reduced from 24 laps to 21 laps. These adjustments aim to mitigate the adverse effects of the scorching heat on the riders.
Continued High Temperatures
Although the peak summer season in northern India has passed, the temperature is expected to reach 37°C at the start of the sprint race at 3:30 pm local time. Interestingly, this timing coincides with the day’s highest temperature.
High Humidity Adds to the Challenge
Additionally, the circuit area is expected to record humidity levels as high as 92% on Saturday. This elevated humidity, combined with the intense heat, will further test the endurance of the riders as they navigate the challenging conditions.
Recent Race-Shortening Instances
In MotoGP’s campaign over the last few years, the race distance has been shortened thrice.
In 2019 at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island Circuit, the race was reduced from 27 to 19 laps due to high tyre wear caused by intense heat and the abrasive track surface. The objective was to prevent issues related to tyres and prioritize rider safety.
Similarly, in the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, the race duration was trimmed from 28 to 20 laps due to safety concerns linked to tyre degradation caused by extreme heat, ensuring a safer race.
Additionally, during the 2021 Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of the Americas in Texas, USA, scorching temperatures led to a reduction from 20 to 18 laps to minimize the risk of tyre overheating and maintain rider well-being. These adjustments reflected the importance of adapting race distances to challenging weather conditions for the safety of MotoGP participants.
As the Indian Grand Prix unfolds, riders will need to contend with not only the technicality of the circuit but also the punishing heat, which has prompted these necessary adjustments to race distances.