Simoncelli professes innocence after Bautista clash

Simoncelli professes innocence after Bautista clash





Sunday, 31 May 2009

Italian hit with 5,000 USD fine for riding in an irresponsible manner.



Hit
with a five thousand U.S. Dollar fine and a ‘yellow card’ warning by
Race Direction for what was described as ‘riding in an irresponsible
manner’ at the Gran Premio d’Italia Alice, Marco Simoncelli was still
fairly unrepentant about the clash between himself and Álvaro Bautista
that left the Spaniard fuming.

Simoncelli had attempted a pass on the fast Mugello chicane, but
found himself out of room when Bautista refused to give up the racing
line. Both riders ran off track before later placing on the podium, but
there were plenty of accusations and very little interaction when they
stepped onto the rostrum.

“Marco tried to pass me at a corner in which he didn’t have any
space. I’m happy to have finished on the podium, but not pleased about
the move that Marco made,” said Bautista, showing diplomacy from his
position at the head of the 250cc standings.

“For me it was a fantastic race, if strange, because I pushed very
hard at the start,” was Simoncelli’s view of the tussle. “After four
laps I had a big advantage. Afterwards Álvaro and Mattia caught up we
had a battle. I tried to pass Álvaro, but I made a mistake. I thought
that I could stick the move, but he closed the door and took the corner
-without seeing me I think. I couldn’t do anything, we both went out
and lost time. I’m sorry for him, but it wasn’t my intention to touch
him.

“I listen to what Race Direction have to say, and give my own views,
but basically I think that the incident –if a little abnormal- is
something that can happen in racing.”

Simoncelli’s fine and the threat of the Italian’s suspension should
he repeat the transgression in 2009 echo the penalty imposed on him
last season at Mugello, when he was adjudged to have taken Héctor
Barbera illegally out of the Italian round.
preso da: http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2009/italy+mugello+motogp+simoncelli+fined+and+warned