Enea Bastianini finds himself in the eye of the storm after an explosive collision with Johann Zarco during the Hungarian Grand Prix Sprint at Balaton Park. Hit with a double long lap penalty, the Tech3 rider maintains his innocence, but the FIM MotoGP stewards remain adamant. A look back at an incident that has caused a stir, even upsetting team boss Hervé Poncharal.
It all starts at Turn 1, on the first lap of the sprint, when fabio quartararo (Yamaha) hits bastianiniThis impact, according to the Italian pilot, damaged his trim correction device, causing chaos that led to his fatal collision with Johann zarco (LCR Honda). Result? A race over for both riders and a double penalty for bastianini, already fined for an infraction at the start of the French Grand Prix.
Hervé Poncharal, boss of Tech3, did not mince his words on TNT Sports: " he had a problem with the rear level correction device. He couldn't brake properly and took out ZarcoGuess what? We were the main victims. We are the most penalized. I am unhappy. Honestly, I think it's unfair.. »
Bastianini's Defense and Hervé Poncharal's Anger
bastianini attempted to defend his case, arguing that the adjustment device, activated excessively after contact with Quarterly, sabotaged his braking. But the stewards do not see it that way. According to crash.net, there is a lack of evidence to confirm whether the problem is due to damage or accidental activation.
Worse, bastianini knew that his device was active and did not adapt his pilotingThe images of the accident are clear: he missed his braking point, causing zarco in his fall.
Other riders have already dismissed the faulty device excuse, claiming that a lowered bike does not affect the braking power of a MotoGP bike. The cautious stewards refuse to open Pandora's box by excusing this type of incident on technical grounds. The double penalty is therefore maintained, compounded by the status of repeat offender. bastianini.
A divisive verdict, an angry team and a frustrated driver: this story leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Tech3. bastianini Did he really deserve this double punishment? The debate is on!
