MotoGP winglet turbulence could cause brake problems – Smith

Aerodynamic winglets fitted to the front fairing have been a big talking point all season, with several riders – notably Dani Pedrosa – voicing their opposition to them for safety reasons.

Ducati, Yamaha and Honda have all been using the devices since the start of the season, while Suzuki and Aprilia trialled their own versions for the first time at Jerez on Friday.

Speaking to media on Friday, Smith said that he didn’t share Pedrosa’s concerns about the dangers of winglets in a collision, but did voice fears about the potential for brake issues caused by the front end ‘buffeting’ in the turbulent air.

“When you’re riding at 350 km/h and the bike starts shaking as the [brake] pads come apart, you don’t have any front brake,” explained Smith.

“That’s more dangerous than crashing into another rider. I think they are [made] of a soft enough material that they would either break off or, at least, they wouldn’t cause any damage to a rider through the leathers.

“When you’re at full [throttle], sixth gear and the brake pads come apart because the front has been wobbling around, that for me is a safety issue.”

Riders "indifferent" to winglets

Asked whether some riders would be upset if winglets were banned, Smith said most were “indifferent” to them because their performance benefit is negligible.

“We’re not very reliant on them,” said the Briton. “If they say on Saturday [during the Grand Prix Commission meeting] that they will be there or won’t be, I don’t think there will be uproar.

“I honestly think they are just an extra add-on that isn’t creating a substantial performance benefit.

“It’s [a gain of] less than a tenth a lap, it’s more to make the rider not go for the rear brake in one part of the racetrack.”