Wet track at the British MotoGP made for quite a dramatic qualifying round at Silverstone. After a dry Friday and smooth practice, there were forecasts for rain on the day of qualifying, but no one anticipated the magnitude.
The rains were pouring down at 10am local time, with the qualifying all set to begin.
British MotoGP begins amidst rain doubt
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The riders left the pitlane and dragged along the track. Reports on the ground suggested that the grip was decent but there is a large amount of spray. They argued that current conditions would fit a practice session but not be adequate for a race. The round started amidst those conditions, and the dangers were quite evident.
That's a shame for @_moliveira88! 😮
He was just building some momentum inside the top 3! 💥#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/KDyuYcZdhv
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 5, 2023
Silverstone claimed its first victim in Portuguese racer Miguel Oliveira, who is ironically known for prowess in wet conditions. He lost his rear as he built up momentum and settled in the top 3. The track remained wet as they made their way out for the qualifying 1. Fabio Di Giannantonio crashed at turn one after going fastest, a turn that proved to be difficult for many riders on the day.
The rider escaped a fatal accident as he tumbled over his own vehicle and slid along the track. The Italian racer certainly had his stars aligned today. Moments later, Fabio Quartararo fell prey and slipped to the side of the track into the mud. Clips showed that the French racer used his presence of mind and a little luck to save himself. His race met an unfortunate end after his bike refused to restart.
Lightning reactions to save that! 👏
But @FabioQ20 now can't get his bike started! 😮#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/ZybThsEetC
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 5, 2023
ALSO READ: Moto GP Star Touches Over 186 mph and Breaks All Records to Set Fastest Lap to Secure Pole Position
Internet reacts to a topsy-turvy race
MotoGP Fans tuned into the Silverstone race expecting fireworks and an intense race but were delivered a slippery story. Let’s take a look at the reactions from the internet on a dangerous riding day.
This is totally unfair! The riders needs to go on a strake and not drive under these conditions. All their hard work wasted – this is not their fault. Very unfair driving under a thunderstorm. Sorry moto gp! There are things that needs to be changed. This is not fun anymore.😿
— OriginalGirl235 (Fan Account) (@rauwlena2050) August 5, 2023
This user made his opinions very clear about the British MotoGP and did not enjoy what he saw.
If I were Fabs I'd sit in my motorhome for the rest of the day, ordering stuff from Amazon to cheer myself up.
— Biggish Arthur's Bad Back 😵💫☣️ (@BigArthurIsGod) August 5, 2023
Talking about Quartaro, this user said he’d just pack his bags and leave.
No!! Poor you🥲🥲🥲
— FQ20TA14 (@FQ20_TA14) August 5, 2023
This user shared their sympathies with the rider, whose race ended abruptly.
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💔💔💔
— إبرآ (@Osaimay) August 5, 2023
The user needed no words to express their feelings about the crash and race.
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The race ended with Marco Bezzecchi taking pole for the second consecutive race, but crashes and controversies marred the entire event. The conditions were certainly not completely safe and riders and teams will most surely have a word or two to say. Bezzecchi ended the race with the top speed of a massive 303km/h.
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