News 30 Sep 2013

Race direction to investigate incident between Pedrosa and Marquez further

MotoGP race officials will investigate the incident between Repsol Honda teammates Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez that resulted in Pedrosa crashing out of yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix in dramatic fashion.

The moment Marc Marquez passes his teammate who crashed to the tarmac was captured by MotoGP television cameras. Image: MotoGP.com.

The moment Marc Marquez passes his teammate who crashed to the tarmac was captured by MotoGP television cameras. Image: MotoGP.com.

MotoGP race officials will investigate the incident between Repsol Honda teammates Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez that resulted in Pedrosa crashing out of yesterday’s Spanish Grand Prix in dramatic fashion.

Marquez ranged up on Pedrosa on the seventh lap and was forced to take evasive action as he came close to collecting his fellow Honda rider through a popular overtaking section of the track.

Post-race it was revealed that the minimal contact between the pair as Marquez brushed by severed the rear-wheel speed sensor on Pedrosa’s bike, deactivating the traction control.

Pedrosa was subsequently launched skywards as he accelerated, his hopes of a much-needed win gone and his title chances in tatters.

A frustrated Pedrosa placed the blame firmly on his teammate who would go on to win his sixth GP of the season.

“I was going into the corner. He was over the limit, completely missed the braking, tried to avoid me and at that moment touched me a little bit and went off,” said Pedrosa.

“When I opened the gas, the cable of the traction control was broken so I had a big high-side and couldn’t really avoid the crash, unfortunately.”

Marquez described the touch as “like nothing” but admitted he was disappointed for his teammate.

“Before the back straight I was braking, I nearly touched him and then I picked up the bike and I just touched him a little bit. But nothing and just I go wide,” he said.

“After the race the team told me that I touched a little bit his cable for traction control. It’s a strange thing. never happened.

“Then when he opened the gas he crashed. I cannot say much because that is so unusual.”

Race direction will investigate the cause of the crash further, with the outcome to determine if any penalty should be applied to Marquez, who has already lost points due to ignoring a yellow-flag zone at the British Grand Prix.

“Race Direction wishes to advise that the incident in the MotoGP race of the Gran Premio IVECO de Aragón 2013 involving the crash of rider number 26 Dani Pedrosa, is under investigation,” read the statement.

“This is the result of further technical information provided to Race Direction after the end of the race, which must be assessed.

“The announcement of a Race Direction decision on this matter will be made as soon as possible.”

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