Franco Morbidelli acknowledged he was unaware of the exact moment he made contact with Maverick Viñales during the Mugello Grand Prix but expressed regret for the incident. The Italian rider took accountability for the clash and issued a sincere apology to Viñales following the race. This apology marks a significant moment as Morbidelli confronts the consequences of the on-track collision in this intense MotoGP event.
Morbidelli Reflects on the Collision and Penalty
When asked about the clash, Morbidelli stated,
“I didn’t see it, Dorna didn’t show it. In those moments on the bike, it’s not always easy to understand. I’d like to see some footage. If I went in, it means there was space, otherwise I wouldn’t have been there. Luckily, nothing serious happened. The only thing I could do was apologise. Viñales was fair; he understood I was genuinely sorry for what happened.”
—Franco Morbidelli
He also accepted the penalty given for the incident without dispute, admitting it was fair. Morbidelli noted,
“It was correct. If I hadn’t made a mistake in the first attempt, I could have fought for P4.”
—Franco Morbidelli
Communication Between Riders and Race Officials Highlighted
Morbidelli commended the Race Direction’s transparent communication with riders during the event, noting it helped ease tensions around decisions made on track. He said,
“It’s still the best relationship ever with the panel of stewards. There’s dialogue, and that makes it easier to understand decisions. There’s no animosity toward their choices.”
—Franco Morbidelli
Context of the Mugello Race and Upcoming Implications
The clash between Morbidelli and Viñales occurred amid an intense battle in Mugello, a race also marked by other critical moments involving riders such as Álex Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer. As tensions remain high, the incident underlines the challenges riders face on tight circuits and the importance of clear steward communication. Morbidelli’s apology and acceptance of the penalty may reinforce mutual respect among riders, possibly influencing how similar events are handled in future races.
