MotoGP: Michael Laverty blames Francesco Bagnaia for crash with Marc Marquez in Portimao - 'Could have been avoided'
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Published 24/03/2024 at 18:42 GMT
TNT Sports expert Michael Laverty insists the crash between Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia at the Portuguese Grand Prix was the fault of the latter. With three laps to go in Portimao, Marquez attempted an overtake on fifth-place rider Bagnaia when the two collided, forcing them both off track. "He [Bagnaia] should have really been a little bit more cautious," said Laverty.
Pecco Bagnaia nel box Ducati durante il GP di Portimao (Portogallo) 2024
Image credit: Getty Images
The collision between Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia was one of the major talking points of a dramatic Portuguese Grand Prix, and TNT Sports expert Michael Laverty believes the latter was to blame for the incident.
Jorge Martin cruised to victory while 19-year-old Pedro Acosta claimed a first podium place, but there had been plenty of drama before the winner crossed the finishing line.
With three laps remaining in Portimao, six-time champion Marquez attempted an overtake on fifth-place rider Bagnaia when the two collided, forcing them both off track.
Analysing the crash, Laverty was in no doubt about who was responsible.
He said: "Pecco wanted to cut back under Marc, there wasn’t quite enough room. These bikes are quite fat with the wings on the front.
"It’s a racing incident which could have been avoided. It was him [Bagnaia] that caused the incident which took both riders down.
"Yes, there’s a slight door open but he should have really been a little bit more cautious.
"It’s going to run and run, and I don’t know if there’s going to be any penalty for Pecco, but it was certainly his fault that they both ended up on the deck."
Quizzed about the incident by TNT Sports, Bagnaia did not give much away.
"It's difficult, everyone has their own point of view," he said. "We were both trying to do the maximum and we collide."
While Bagnaia confirmed he had discussed the collision with Marquez, the Italian again chose to remain tight-lipped about what was said.
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