Axel Bassani and Michaël Ruben Rinaldi are two Italians and two Ducati riders in a WSBK where we learned much longer than MotoGP that motorcycle sport was also a contact sport. But when enmity gets involved, we move on to something else and when the first is eyeing the factory handlebars of the second who knows that to keep his place he must achieve better results, then it turns into open war. In Catalonia, the two found themselves in a duel during the first part of Race 1. And it ended badly. Here is the version of both, with that of a witness who saw everything from his Kawasaki, Jonathan Rea…
bassani et Rinaldi brightened up Saturday afternoon WSBK in Catalonia but their relationship turns so sour on the track that they will have to be monitored closely so that it does not end with drama. When bassani spent Rinaldi at the start of the event, the latter returned the favor a few turns further by unceremoniously removing him from the trajectory. Furious, the pilot of the Ducati private made a gesture which left no doubt about the desire to catch up with the official Panigale to give her a scathing reply. What happened. And it's Rinaldi who finished with all four irons in the air, bassani taking a penalty after an act of arms...
Here is the version of the drivers. First that of Rinaldi, inhabited by cold anger and regretting a crumpled hand: “ we had all the assets to win second place. We started the weekend very well from FP1 and the feeling today was really good. Unfortunately, I was struck by Bassani: a senseless maneuver also because until now he had shown that he did not have the pace to be among the first, as happened towards the end of the race. But you can only do something like that if you want the other person to fall… It's a shame, I hope the pain in my hand allows me to do it again tomorrow ».
« Between Bassani and Rinaldi it was fun until the crash, then it stopped being funny and it became serious »
Then that of bassani : “ it was a completely normal racing situation. He passed me and touched me. After that I overtook him to be second again. We touched each other, it was a normal racing accident. This happens sometimes. I saw an opportunity to overtake and took the inside. I was completely to the left of the bike, it was impossible for me to see Michael. He tried to close the door to defend his position and contact occurred. I made the long lap that I had in penalty and finished seventh. It's over for me ". However, he adds: “ I have no problem with Michael. If he has one with me, he should come to my dressing room and we'll talk ».
Jonathan Rhea who saw everything from the bubble of his Ninja adds: “ I knew there would be contact. When Rinaldi passed Bassani, we immediately saw his reaction. There was not enough space to pass. Michael couldn't see it either ". He adds this: “ As things happen between these two, it is noted that they have a strange relationship, or rather a rivalry. Before the accident I laughed and thought he shouldn't overtake there. Then he leaned on him. It was fun until the crash, then it stopped being funny and got serious. Both are full of testosterone and excitement ». Ducati will he intervene to calm down his two compatriots who are driving a Panigale V4R?
