Espargaro Urges Morbidelli to “Focus” Following Valencia GP Grid Crash
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing rider, delivered a pointed message to Franco Morbidelli following a collision on the grid before the start of the Valencia grand Prix. The incident, which damaged both riders’ machines, led to Morbidelli starting from the pit lane and ultimately finishing 16th, while Espargaro secured a seventh-place finish.
The crash occurred as riders were positioning for the start, with Morbidelli appearing to lose control and impact Espargaro’s Aprilia. Following the race, Espargaro expressed his frustration, telling Morbidelli to “focus” on his positioning during grid procedures. The incident adds another layer to a challenging season for Morbidelli, who is leaving the Yamaha factory team after four years and will join Pramac Ducati in 2024.
“He needs to focus a little bit more,no?” Espargaro stated post-race. “It’s not the frist time. It’s a bit of a joke, honestly. I was lucky, the damage wasn’t massive. But it could have been much worse.”
The collision didn’t result in any injuries to either rider, but it underscored the tense atmosphere on the grid as the MotoGP season concluded. Espargaro’s comments highlight the importance of maintaining concentration and precision during pre-race procedures, notably in the crowded conditions of the starting grid.The incident is highly likely to be reviewed by race officials, though no immediate penalties were issued.
