Once again there will be a decision to be discussed by the MotoGP board of commissioners: Pecco Bagnaia will have to serve a three-place grid penalty in Sunday’s long race of the Italian Grand Prix, as he is deemed guilty of having obstructed Alex Marquez in the final stages of the afternoon free practice session on Friday, which outlines access to Q2.
The episode occurred at the Correntaio curve, when the Gresini Racing rider was engaged in a fast lap, while the reigning world champion proceeded slowly on his Ducati. The Spaniard came in wide when braking and, believing he had been hindered, started a rather showy exchange of “pleasants”.
The matter immediately came under the scrutiny of the stewards, who summoned both drivers to Race Direction to discuss it. After several hours, the cold shower came for the Piedmontese, who will in fact be forced to move back to the starting grid on Sunday. A real shame for him, who had started the weekend on a high, setting the best time and coming close to breaking the track record.
“On 31 May 2024, at 3.49.57pm, during practice for the Brembo Italian Grand Prix you were observed for having driven slowly on the racing line, disturbing the #73 at turn 12”, explains the note released by the stewards.
“This is contrary to the specific instructions given to MotoGP riders and teams, therefore it is considered irresponsible driving. It is also an infringement of article 1.21.2 of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship regulations.”
“For these reasons, the MotoGP Steward Panel imposes a three-place grid penalty on you for the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix race (in accordance with articles 3.2.1 and 3.3.2.3).”
As mentioned, this is a decision destined to be talked about in the next few days, because the Italian driver had made it clear that he did not believe he was off the line, speaking of an exaggerated reaction from his Spanish colleague.
“Evidently putting on a bit of a show when certain things happen helps to get penalties given. He played in the best way he could. However, I was off the line when braking, but he put on a great show as usual. But he’s Alex Marquez …”.
For his part, the Gresini Racing driver didn’t seem to see it the same way: “I was doing a fast lap, improving my lap times, and he was driving very slowly, from the second sector onwards. I expected that at a certain point he turned, but it wasn’t his plan. When I got to the Correntaio he braked in a very dangerous situation. I managed to avoid him, but he ruined my ride. He says he was off the line, but that’s not the case investigation is underway, so it’s no longer up to me.”
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