SEPANG: Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has questioned whether the Moto3 race at the Petronas Grand Prix of Sepang should have gone on today (Oct 26) after the horrific crash that occurred during the sighting lap.
Bagnaia said even he himself was affected emotionally following the incident.
CIP Green Power’s Noah Dettwiler, who appeared to be riding slowly, was struck from behind by Moto3 world champion Jose Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) before turn four.
“I think we need to spend some words on the Moto3 (incident) first,” said Bagnaia during the MotoGP post-race media scrum.
“I am very glad that Rueda is okay but as for Dettwiler, it is not clear yet. I would like to hear that everything is fine and he is not in danger of (losing) his life.
“(It affected me) a lot, a lot. Maybe I am a bit too empathetic.
“For me, to let the young riders do 10 laps in those conditions (situation) after seeing helicopters go away with (the) two of them. I think it is not the perfect idea.
“I will never understand it (decision to still race) but it is what it is.”
The duo, who were both flung from their bikes, appeared to sustain serious injuries. They received treatment for roughly 20 minutes trackside before being airlifted to a local hospital by helicopter.
The race, which was delayed for almost two hours, went on but was shortened from 15 laps to 10.
MotoGP later issued a medical update, stating that Rueda “is awake and alert, with a suspected hand fracture and a number of contusions”.
There was, however, no update on Dettwiler’s condition as of writing.
On a separate note, Bagnaia confirmed that he had suffered a puncture which forced him to retire from the main race today.
The Italian had won the sprint race yesterday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
