Marc Marquez's move at Portugal Grand Prix 'was dangerous' says Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti
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Published 30/03/2023 at 15:00 GMT
Marc Marquez has been criticised by Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti for his “dangerous” move when racing against Jorge Martin, taking both riders out, along with Miguel Oliveira. Marquez and Oliveira will miss this weekend’s event in Argentina due to injuries sustained from the crash, while Martin has picked up toe and ankle knocks, but will race at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo.
Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team walks out of the gravel, after he crashed with local hero Miguel Oliveira of Portugal and CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team during the race of the MotoGP Grande Prémio TISSOT de Portugal at Autodromo do Algarve on Marc
Image credit: Getty Images
Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti has called Marc Marquez’s collision with Jorge Martin and Miguel Oliveira at the MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix “dangerous”.
Marquez was battling for second place on the third lap of the race on Sunday when he made contact with Martin and subsequently hit Oliveira.
The six-time champion, along with Oliveira, will miss this weekend’s race in Argentina due to injuries sustained in the incident.
When he returns to action, Marquez will have to serve a double long lap penalty as his punishment for the collision.
“He misjudged the braking, it was a dangerous move,” Ducati sporting director Ciabatti told BT Sport. “Honestly, with all the respect I have for Marc, I don’t understand how a rider with his experience makes such a mistake. It was dangerous.”
Martin continued after the collision, before having a crash of his own later in the race.
Ciabatti was frustrated at the championship points that Martin missed out on, given he showed strong pace early in the Grand Prix.
“It mainly affects Oliveira, but if we speak about the race and the championship, Martin had the pace to stay with the leading group,” he added.
“I don’t know if he would have been first, second or third. But it’s points for the championship.
“He was back behind after the accident, trying to recover. He made a mistake and crashed.
“What can I say? It’s disappointing. That’s what I can say.”
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