Scott Redding apologises to Aprilia MotoGP team for Austria rant
Scott Redding has issued an apology to Aprilia for describing its MotoGP bike as a "piece of s***" after last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix
Redding was unable to contain his emotions after finishing 20th in dry conditions at the Red Bull Ring, despite having been in the top three in the weekend's two wet sessions.
The British rider described the situation as "heartbreaking" before strongly criticising his RS-GP bike and the Gresini-run Aprilia team.
"You cannot make a piece of shit shine," he said. "I know it sounds harsh and I shouldn't say it, but that is what it is."
But Redding backtracked on those remarks in an Instagram post on Tuesday evening.
"I am here today to say that I owe a huge apology to the Aprilia Racing Team and company," he wrote.
"What I said [in my] Sunday afternoon post-race interview was not acceptable by a long way. I was thinking with a lot of emotion from my heart. But I spoke out with rage, which a young person of 25 can do very easily.
"Myself at age 25 should be a role model, much more mature and composed. The team and company of Aprilia Racing are doing the best they can to improve our MotoGP machine, we have some good items to test [at Misano] this week and I still believe this bike can be competitive.
"As a team you work, live, learn all together so from the bottom of my heart I deeply say a big sorry for my outrageous words. I will learn from this."
Redding will be replaced by Andrea Iannone at Aprilia next season, and is weighing up several different options for his future - including an offer to stay at his current team as a test rider.
He has also openly discussed the possibility of switching to World Superbikes, stepping back to Moto2 or even joining British Superbikes in recent weeks.
Previous article
Ducati: Lorenzo will 'lose out' after opting to switch to Honda
Next article
Vinales: Yamaha MotoGP struggles making riding impossible to enjoy
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Scott Redding |
| Teams | AB Motoracing , Aprilia Racing Team |
| Author | Jamie Klein |
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
The impossible problem Honda faces with its 2021 MotoGP bike
Honda hasn’t enjoyed an easy start to the 2021 MotoGP campaign, despite gains last season which looked to have carried over into the pre-season. Now admitting it does have issues in serious need of resolving, it faces an almost impossible task in doing so
How Jerez underlined MotoGP's speed problem
The brutal nature of a series of crashes at Jerez has reopened the debate about whether current MotoGP speeds are beyond the safety limits of the tracks. But even if riders are supportive of the move, getting the manufacturers to find a consensus on how speed reductions should be achieved may be altogether harder
How a Crutchlow helped Miller to Jerez MotoGP redemption
Jack Miller’s tough start to life as a factory Ducati MotoGP rider left him mentally battered and bruised, but a pep talk and positive reinforcement from a surprising source aided the Australian to show his full potential with victory at the Spanish Grand Prix
What does Marc Marquez have to do to get back to his best?
Following his resounding MotoGP return with a seventh place finish in Portugal, Marc Marquez now must work to rediscover his best form before turning his attention towards results-based targets
How Yamaha’s rookie-spec MotoGP star is taking charge
Fabio Quartararo is on a roll in 2021, having stormed to victory at a venue where he last year served up one of his worst races. Contrasting Portuguese GPs for Yamaha’s factory duo make it hard to understand just how good its 2021 MotoGP bike is, but the Portimao weekend has revealed one key improvement compared to 2020
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
