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