‘Not in my DNA’ - Alex Marquez responds to Pecco Bagnaia accusation, says he ‘would never deliberately crash’
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Published 02/09/2024 at 18:37 GMT+1
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Two-time defending world champion Francesco Bagnaia was left furious after Alex Marquez made contact with him during Sunday's Aragon GP, causing both riders to crash out. The Italian suggested the crash was intentional after the race, but Marquez has now responded to the criticism strongly on social media. "It's not in my DNA and not in the DNA of this sport," Marquez wrote.
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Alex Marquez said he would “never deliberately crash with another rider” after being accused of doing just that by MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia.
The controversy erupted during Sunday’s Aragon GP, when contact between the two riders saw both crash out at Turn 13.
Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) slipped to 23 points behind Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac) at the top of the riders' championship standings after the Spaniard came second to Marc Marquez in his home country.
And the Italian said after the race that Marquez was “trying to arrive to this contact” when they came together as he attempted an overtake.
On Monday, Marquez responded on social media to firmly deny any intention in the incident.
He posted on Instagram: “After reading some statements I would like to explain the following: I would never deliberately crash with another rider and I will never accept to be charged with it, it is not in my DNA and it is not in the DNA of this sport.
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“The most important thing for me is the conversation I had yesterday with Pecco [Bagnaia] and, from my side, the issue is settled.
"Now it's time to rest and recover my body to be at 100% in Misano.”
Bagnaia, who is aiming for a third consecutive MotoGP world title this year, was unhappy with Marquez’s riding.
Speaking to MotoGP.com, Bagnaia explained why he believed the Gresini rider knew what he was doing.
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“My view is the view of everybody that has a normal point of view in terms of racing, because it's quite clear what happened,” Bagnaia said.
“He was wide, I was in front with much more speed. I entered that corner without closing the line because I knew he was there. But my speed was enough to overtake him without any problems.
“And as soon I entered the [next] corner [13] I heard his engine opening. He was opening the throttle. So he was trying to arrive to this contact.
“I wanted to look at that data... He remained with 60%, 40% of throttle open until when he crashed. So this is very strange by a rider, I think.
“In my opinion, it's impossible that he didn't see me. I was already in front of him before changing direction.”
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