The collision between Alex Marquez and Francesco Pecco Bagnaia at the MotoGP Grand Prix of Aragon marked an unexpected turning point in the race, depriving both Ducati riders of a podium place. The incident, which occurred at Turn 13 as the two were battling for third place, was classified as a racing accident by the FIM stewards, with no penalties being imposed. However, reactions within the paddock were mixed, often reflecting the riders' personal ties to the parties involved.
Simon Crafar, future FIM chief steward and expert commentator for MotoGP.com, provided his analysis of the incident, tending to see Alex Marquez as the main person responsible. According to Crafar, Alex should have given up his position to Bagnaia in this situation.
« Alex Marquez braked in the corner. Then he didn't want to give up his position ", has explained Crafar, adding that both drivers were driving on a narrow trajectory where grip was optimal. For Crafar, Bagnaia was clearly ahead at the critical moment, and Alex should have let go. " 'Pecco' was in front. Alex should have given up »
Crafar doubt that Alex Marquez did not see Bagnaia next to him. It is likely that he was informed by the signs on the stands of the presence of bagnaia right behind him, especially after the latter had closed a 2,5 second gap in just a few laps. After Alex's mistake at Turn 12, the door was open for Bagnaia, who was already slightly ahead before both drivers started to lean into the corner.
Simon Crafar: " 'Pecco' would have abandoned his position and accepted to be overtaken »
Crafar suggests thatAlex Marquez could have avoided the accident by briefly cutting the gas. Both rode decisively into the bend, but 'Pecco' was in front ", did he declare. " When they sprint towards the next corner, the driver behind must back off. » However, he acknowledged not having access to all available perspectives and data to the race stewards, which prevents him from making a final judgment.
The difficult grip conditions on the recently asphalted Motorland Aragon circuit also played a crucial role in the incident, according to Crafar. bagnaia, to avoid going off the track or falling, had to maintain its trajectory in the fast bend. 'Pecco' had to take the turn decisively. If you straighten the bike to give the rider behind you space, then you get to the dirty part. And then you go off the track, or even fall. He explained.
For Crafar, bagnaia would probably have reacted differently in his placeAlex Marquez. " Nine times out of ten, 'Pecco' would have given up his position and accepted being overtaken. He would then have prepared himself in such a way that he could launch a counterattack " he added, noting that managing on-track battles often requires quick strategic decisions to minimize risks.
Analysis of Simon Crafar charge unquestionably Alex Marquez in the dynamics that led to the accident. The Spaniard was therefore responsible in the face of the Italian, but would he have been guilty for all that? Simon Crafar does not push the reasoning to the point of specifying whether he would have sanctioned the pilot Gresini Ducati. We'll see about that next year...