The news broke at the beginning of the evening: Héctor Barberá will no longer race for the Pons HP40 team in 2018. The team has taken the decision to terminate the contract which unites it with the driver this season following the his recent setbacks with the law.
On the night of June 6 to 7, Hector Barberá was stopped by a police patrol who was carrying out a routine check, and his blood alcohol level was positive. It is therefore taken into immediate appearance today, because this is the third time he has been arrested for the same reason.
While his sentence has just been pronounced, the black streak continues for the Spaniard since his team Pons HP40 has just published a press release indicating the immediate session of the contract which binds them this season in Moto2:
“Following the recent events that occurred in Valencia with driver Héctor Barberá during the night of June 7, 2018, PONS Racing and Héctor Barberá are canceling today, June 8, 2018, the contract that united them for the current 2018 season.
PONS Racing would like to thank Héctor Barberá for his services and wish him the best for the future. »
As a reminder, the Valencian rider had come down from MotoGP to Moto2 this year, and had never really managed to adapt to his new machine.
He wanted to explain himself on social networks: “I am writing these lines to clarify what happened two days ago in Valencia. I imagine you have all read all the information that has come out since then. I'm not going to go into too much detail. I went to a very good friend's birthday party and on the way out I was stopped by the police who made me take a breathalyzer test. I tested positive, although I was in full possession of my means. The police themselves noted in their report that my physical condition was good. That doesn't excuse me at all. I own my mistake and accept the consequences. The worst thing is that it affects my family, my friends and my relationship, but also my professional career. From the next Catalan Grand Prix I will no longer race with my current team.
Even those who think it is deserved, which may be the case, will understand that this is a very hard moment for me. The word “regret” is not strong enough to express what I feel. I took my time in Moto2 very seriously, even if things didn't go as well as I expected. I am training more than ever and working very hard.
I emphasize once again that I assume the consequences of my actions. I will not give up and will continue to fight, even if it will be difficult. I ask for forgiveness from everyone who was affected by this situation, and I thank those who support me in this difficult time. »
For its part, the Pons HP40 team should quickly announce a replacement.
