News 3 Nov 2015

HRC data indicates Rossi kick caused Marquez crash

Sepang clash fallout continues with latest info released.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) executive vice president Shuhei Nakamoto says data from Marc Marquez’s factory Repsol Honda RC213V indicates a kick from Valentino Rossi caused the reigning world champion to crash in the polarising Sepang clash.

Nakamoto has welcomed race officials and the media to view Marquez’s data acquisition in an interview released by HRC overnight, suggesting that it was Rossi’s left leg that ultimately forced Marquez to fall.

“It is clear that Valentino intentionally pushed Marc towards the outside of the track, which is out of the rules, therefore Marc had no other option other than to run wide,” Nakamoto explained.

“The data from Marc’s bike shows that even though he was picking up the bike trying to avoid contact with Valentino, his front brake lever suddenly received an impact that locked the front tyre, which is the reason for his crash.

“We believe that this pressure was a result of Rossi’s kick. The data acquisition from Marc’s bike is available if anybody from Dorna, the FIM or media want to check.”

Nakamoto has fully supported Marquez in the saga, adamant that he’s not been purposely assisting fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo to win the world title over Yamaha teammate Rossi at Phillip Island or Sepang.

“We as HRC are very regretful this situation has been created,” he explained. “First of all, we would like to underline that Marc has been subject to an accusation with no evidence, after the Phillip Island race.

“Clearly there are no grounds to support that he wanted to help any rider in the championship battle, considering he pushed to win the race and did so. After reviewing the images further, you can clearly see Valentino and Marc shaking hands after the chequered flag in Australia, acknowledging a great and fair battle.

“We all know Marc races at 100 percent all the time, it’s one of the reasons we all love him and he has so many fans around the world. Marc always pushes to the maximum to achieve the best result possible. He had a great battle in his career with many riders and nobody complained about that.

“In Malaysia, we know that Marc was struggling at the beginning of the race with the full tank, as has happened several times this season. Also in Sepang he made a mistake at the beginning of the race and this allowed Jorge to pass him. Then Valentino arrived and they began to fight for third place. The passes were extreme, but safe, from both riders.

“Two of the greatest champions we’ve seen battling together on track. I know Marc well. He is a good guy, with strong and honest values. Marc was just trying to defend his position, as any rider would do, and we believe him 100 percent.”

The complete interview with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) executive vice president Shuhei Nakamoto can be viewed on the official HRC website at www.hondaracingcorporation.com.

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