Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini both revealed that they could *smell* that the Misano track conditions were not suitable for wet tires during the San Marino Grand Prix. The two Ducati teammates, who are known for their sharp instincts on the bike, noted that the unique scent of the track surface helped them assess the grip level before making their tire choices.

Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP world champion, explained how the distinct smell of the tarmac when wet indicated that the conditions were not yet ideal for switching to wet tires. “You can smell it when the track isn’t fully wet, and it’s a good sign to know the grip levels aren’t there for wet tires,” Bagnaia shared, underlining the importance of sensory cues in high-stakes racing decisions.

Bastianini echoed this sentiment, saying that despite some patches of moisture on the track, they could both sense that slick tires were still the better option. “It’s something that comes with experience. The smell of the asphalt tells you a lot about what’s happening under the bike, especially in tricky conditions like this.”

Their decision proved crucial as both riders managed to maintain competitive positions during the San Marino GP, despite the unpredictable weather conditions. This insight into how top riders use all their senses, including smell, to navigate changing track conditions offers a fascinating glimpse into the high-level skill set required in MotoGP racing.