Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia were battling for fifth place in the Portuguese MotoGP when, three laps from the end, they collided and fell. Márquez managed to continue the race and finished 16th, while Bagnaia retired.
This was the first disagreement between them since Márquez joined Gresini, early in the season – and without an important result at stake in the top positions.
The riders had to appear before the stewards after the race, a situation that was ultimately considered a racing incident – even from the riders’ perspective, although Márquez argues that Bagnaia did not have the best approach.
In any case, the accident is now resolved. This was assured by Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, who stated to the publication MotoSprint:
– Without a doubt, it was a racing incident. It is clear that in certain situations it would be better to be calmer, but both riders explained themselves, so I think it’s something resolved and closed with a handshake.
There was certainly a precedent in which it was seen that even in the fight for secondary positions, Bagnaia and Márquez do not seem very willing to give in a direct fight between them when they can achieve a better result. Something that fuels curiosity to see how the duels will be when podiums or victories are at stake.