Main race time changes

The race now starts at 4pm, in order to make it at least slightly more friendly to European TV schedules. The drawback is that soon after that there is frequently a sharp temperature drop, which has been blamed for a number of race-changing accidents over recent years as the surface grip falls away.

One victim: Marc Marquez, who has twice fallen out of the lead … but many others have suffered similarly.

Speaking at the post-qualifying press conference, Marquez said: “It should be a minimum of one hour earlier, because the temperature is dropping a lot.”

Compatriot Maverick Vinales concurred, saying: “All the riders agreed. It would be better for safety.”

But their front-row companion Johann Zarco, who as a class rookie has yet to have the experience, was less sure. Already expecting to use the softer tyres, he said: “If I am on the podium, the four o’clock is alright with me.”

By Michael Scott