[kropotkin thinks...] - Aragon MotoGP Friday Round Up: Tricky Conditions Plus Marc Marquez...

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Aragon MotoGP Friday Round Up: Tricky Conditions Plus Marc Marquez Equals Lap Records



As a rule, it is a good thing when tracks are resurfaced. Bumps are removed, the stones in the aggregate have edges again to provide grip, and the gaps in the asphalt are smaller, giving a larger surface area to produce grip and create less wear.

The trouble is that asphalt, like a fine wine, needs to mature to reach its peak. It takes a few months before the asphalt has settled, the sharpest edges have been taken off the stones, and the bitumen has started to evaporate. It takes about a year for the asphalt to reach peak grip. The color has faded, making it less sensitive to direct sunlight, the stones have reached the right consistency, and more of the bitumen evaporated, opening up the gaps between the stones, so it generates less heat in the tires.

The new surface at Aragon has not yet reached that stage. It is still dirty, the asphalt is closed, and it is very dark. The bitumen is still evaporating, creating patches which are greasy and making grip levels unpredictable. All of this made the morning session for MotoGP - and indeed all three classes - a complete write off.

David Emmett Fri, 30/Aug/2024 - 22:23

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