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Finally, all the riders have arrived in India. Having resolved (not without some hiccups) the problems with visas, the MotoGP protagonists were able to go through the gates of the Buddh International Circuit. Even in this case, there were several doubts about a track created for Formula 1 and then left unused for about ten years. The first impression, however, was positive. After a walk along the circuit, the comments have tended to promote the track
Starting with Raul Fernandez, enthusiastic about the track: “I like it, it's really very beautiful. We will have to pay attention to some corners, the circuit in general is safe, but in some points perhaps we need to place the air fences better, like in turn 8 where the wall is very close. The facilities are also nice and it's a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, we will need to understand how the temperatures will affect it, I think it will be very hot and it will be difficult to manage the race. I learned this track with the PlayStation, it's not easy for us because we don't have simulators like in Formula 1. When I took a walk on the circuit, I realized that video games aren't very faithful, I only know which way the curves go" he concluded with a laugh.
Pol Espargarò also had the opportunity to do a 'recce' and he liked what he saw: "I had a very good impression of it - confirmed the GasGas rider - It could be one of the most fun tracks in the championship, because it has slow and fast turns and changes in gradient. To learn it I used a simulator that my brother has, but it didn't seem too realistic, then I watched some videos on board to get an idea. There are some points where we would like wider run-off areas, but this is the case at many other circuits, like Barcelona for example. However, I think the circuit is much better than we all expected, there is nothing critical I would say, but for sure there are some places that can be improved."
Alex Marquez also focussed on identifying eventual critical issues regarding safety: "there are some walls that are a little too close, like the one at turn 4, but the situation is better than I expected. I think that after FP1 we will have to talk among ourselves, because at that point we will have a clearer idea of the speeds and other details. However, as a track it is very beautiful, I thought there would be more braking, but instead it requires a very fluid ride and Turn 8 will be spectacular and difficult because it is banking."
Miguel Oliveira is intrigued by the layout which reminds him of that of other circuits and none: “It’s good. It's an interesting layout. Has a big straight, but the rest looks very fun. It looks from the outside safe enough for us to ride. So looks promising. Tomorrow we'll see.”
Luca Marini, however, has been busy with promotional events and will only set foot on the asphalt of the Buddh Circuit in the afternoon: "I haven't seen the track live yet, I've just been trying to prepare with my team and it's not easy. Especially regarding the tyres, as it is a new circuit, we have one more option and we don't know anything. The two rounds of testing will be interesting; luckily, we have a lot of time to work calmly. From the videos the track looks good, I hope it has grip. We all have a lot of experience, so we quickly understand the trajectories, but then we have to understand all the references."
