Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia Racing has voiced his dissatisfaction with the MotoGP stewards following several controversial incidents during the SHARK Grand Prix de France. The Le Mans race was fraught with on-track collisions and aggressive maneuvers, prompting Espargaro to question the consistency and effectiveness of the stewards' decisions.
Espargaro was particularly critical of the handling of multiple incidents, including the collisions involving Fabio Quartararo, Johann Zarco, and other riders. He expressed concerns over the lack of decisive action and clear communication from the stewards, which he believes undermines the integrity of the sport.
"Inconsistency in stewarding is becoming a real issue," said Espargaro. "We need clear and consistent decisions to ensure fair competition. What happened at Le Mans shows that there's still a lot of work to be done in this area."
The race saw several high-profile crashes and aggressive moves, leading to penalties that many, including Espargaro, felt were either too lenient or inconsistent. He emphasized the need for a more standardized approach to penalizing riders for dangerous behavior on the track.
Espargaro's remarks reflect a broader sentiment among riders who are increasingly frustrated with the current state of MotoGP officiating. The incidents at Le Mans have reignited the debate over how best to maintain safety and fairness in the sport.
As MotoGP continues to grow in popularity, the pressure on stewards to deliver fair and transparent decisions is greater than ever. Espargaro's comments serve as a reminder that the pursuit of consistency and clarity in officiating is essential for the future of the sport.
The governing body has yet to respond to Espargaro's criticisms, but the ongoing discussions highlight the need for continued improvements in stewarding practices to uphold the standards of MotoGP racing.