Marquez: MotoGP winglets make it difficult to overtake

The development of aerodynamic winglets in premier-class racing has continued to grow, with more and more teams experimenting with different devices. 

Published : May 08, 2016 17:30 IST

Marc Marquez leads the Moto GP points table.

Two-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez says the increased usage of winglets within the sport is making it more difficult for riders to overtake.

The development of aerodynamic winglets in premier-class racing has continued to grow, with more and more teams experimenting with different devices. 

Concerns remain over the winglets' safety, but Marquez suggests they, along with Michelin's tyres, have contributed to the lack of late-race top-order overtaking in 2016. 

"It's difficult to say, it's many things," he said.

"We are trying to understand the tyres, it's difficult to manage all the [race] pace because you don't know when they will drop [lap times]. And, another thing, the wings didn't help for the show, for the overtakes. This also can be a good reason, now it's starting to be kind of Formula One. 

"When you take the slipstream you don't have the downforce, then you have more wheelie, so it's more difficult to overtake."

Marquez leads the riders' standings after the first four races of the season and will start from second at the Grand Prix of France on Sunday.