Moto GP: Aleix Espargaro in war of words with Pramac over Petrucci
Aleix Espargaro has criticised the Pramac Ducati MotoGP team over an attempt to defend Danilo Petrucci's riding in last weekend's Argentine Grand Prix
Aprilia rider Espargaro was unhappy with Petrucci in the aftermath of the Termas de Rio Hondo race, saying the Italian deserved to be penalised in the same way as Marc Marquez, who was ordered to drop one position after clashing with Espargaro at Turn 13.
"Petrucci hit me at Turn 2 at least as strongly, or more, and we have a million cameras on the bike, so I do not think it is so difficult to work to assess and see the actions," Espargaro said.
"Marquez's sanction seems fair to me, but it's not fair that Petrucci has not been sanctioned when he hit me harder. I do not think the job of race direction is so difficult."
On Tuesday, Pramac issued a short statement to say it was "disappointed" Petrucci's riding had been likened in the media to that of Marquez or Johann Zarco, who were respectively involved in incidents that ended the races of Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.
"Alma Pramac Racing wants to express its disappointment reading some media comments on Danilo Petrucci's race," read the statement.
"The contact between Petrucci and Espargaro did not cause any consequences for the continuation of the race of both riders, but is nonetheless being considered in the same way as the contact that saw Zarco and Marquez oust Pedrosa and Rossi from the race.
"Petrucci himself was touched by [Hafizh] Syahrin on the last lap, having to widen his trajectory and allow Andrea Iannone to pass."
In response to the statement, Espargaro tweeted: "He hit me harder than Marquez did! Bulls**t! The picture is there, don't lie everybody! [Petrucci] is always riding like this!"
Espargaro clarified the contact with Marquez and Petrucci was not what was responsible for ending his race in Argentina, as his RS-GP suffered an electronics problem.
Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti responded in kind, referencing Espargaro's collision with Andrea Dovizioso in Argentina last year.
"[Petrucci] has been softer than you with Dovizioso [in] Argentina 2017!", he wrote.
"You stop bulls**t and try to [voice your opinion] in the Safety Commission, not on Twitter."
Espargaro tweeted in reply: "You are nobody to tell me what I have to do! And yes, I made a big mistake with Dovi, and I apologised to him. I didn't say bullshit and lie [to] the people as your team is doing!"
Previous article
New Honda MotoGP engine making it easier for riders - Cal Crutchlow
Next article
MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa in doubt for Austin after wrist surgery
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Aleix Espargaro , Pol Espargaro , Danilo Petrucci |
| Teams | AB Motoracing , Pramac Racing |
| Author | Jamie Klein |
The hurdles Marquez faces next in his Portugal MotoGP return
Even by Marc Marquez’s own high standards, his MotoGP comeback on Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix will be considered a success even if he didn’t top the times. But having shown competitive pace on his first day back, both Marquez and his rivals know plenty more challenges are to come
Where does Honda's new MotoGP signing sit ahead of its king's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
Why MotoGP's stewards must revisit Miller and Mir's Losail clash
Despite Suzuki’s decision not to appeal against Race Direction’s refusal to penalise Jack Miller following the incident with Joan Mir in Losail, something must be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident, which could have easily ended in tragedy
Has Yamaha banished its demons with its 2021 MotoGP bike?
Against the expected run of play at Qatar's Losail circuit, both Yamaha riders Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo carved through a resolute Ducati defence to secure back-to-back MotoGP wins for the Japanese marque. After a difficult 2020, it appears that Yamaha has swaggered back into championship contention
Why MotoGP’s top gun looks more dangerous at the Doha GP
Lightning hasn't struck twice for Maverick Vinales since 2017 and his wayward form of recent years makes predicting how he'll fare each MotoGP race weekend tricky. But fresh from his Qatar GP win, Vinales looks like an even more dangerous prospect for the Doha GP following an intriguing Friday practice
Why MotoGP’s new Amazon series is long overdue
OPINION: MotoGP is getting its own version of Drive to Survive on Amazon Prime at some point in the near future. It was news welcomed by the grid’s leading riders. And following the impact DTS has had on Formula 1, MotoGP desperately needs the same boost.
Did the Qatar GP hint at Ducati’s true MotoGP leader?
OPINION: Johann Zarco talked a big game pre-season, and is so far vindicating himself as a factory rider at Pramac after finishing the Qatar GP as top Ducati in second. And contrasting his and Jack Miller's weekends and their approaches, is Zarco emerging as Ducati's true MotoGP leader?
