Marquez reveals strategy behind Americas GP grid incident

Marc Marquez has explained the reasoning behind his surprising decision to run across the grid to the pit lane at the start of the Americas GP at COTA — an action that led several other riders to follow suit.

The 32-year-old Ducati rider stated that his move was not spontaneous but a calculated decision made seven minutes before the race began. The rain-affected track conditions led the team to opt for wet tires, but Marquez realized this was not the best choice as the start approached.

“I really know the rules and how to be on the limit all the time. I asked Marco Rigamonti, my chief mechanic, seven minutes before the start if the second bike was ready. He told me ‘yes.’ Then I said to him, ‘maybe I will leave the grid,'” explained Marquez, who later had to retire from the race after crashing at Turn 4.

Marquez’s decision was based on Article 1.18.1 of MotoGP regulations, which states that a start would be aborted if more than 10 riders abandon their grid positions. Although the number of riders following him did not reach this threshold, race direction still decided to delay the start.

“We called for a delay and quick-start procedure due to safety concerns. Given the number of riders, bikes, and pit staff on the grid and in the pit lane area, it was impossible to start the warm-up lap,” stated Mike Webb, race director.

The incident highlighted the challenges of rapidly changing weather conditions and their impact on race strategy. The decision to delay the start, while not strictly required by the rulebook, underscored MotoGP’s commitment to rider and team safety in unpredictable conditions.