Autosport Plus

The failed rider protest that sets a dangerous precedent

OPINION: Just 12 riders lined up on the grid for the World Superbike opener at El Villicum as a protest grew. The world champion starting the race, and rumours of underhand tactics, then caused the protest to collapse, but also leaves a lot of questions hanging

A depleted grid of just 12 riders lined up on the grid for the start of the first race of the 2019 Argentina World Superbike weekend at the El Villicum circuit. As lights out neared on the Saturday, a protest was afoot.

The San Juan-situated track - which hosted WSBK's first ever South American event last year - proved treacherous all weekend due to woeful asphalt conditions. After a Superpole session in which most riders felt they had "no control" of their bikes, they engaged in discussions with Dorna Sports and governing body the FIM about scrapping Saturday's race on safety grounds, feeling the hot conditions that day made matters worse still.

Share Or Save This Story

Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.