Marco Bezzecchi vs. Maverick Vinales: Slipstream Drama and Trackside Tensions at the Australian MotoGP

Marco Bezzecchi expressed that he was adversely affected by the slipstream and was displeased with Maverick's actions. He remarked that if the roles were reversed, he would make it a point to check on the other rider's condition.

After traveling to Melbourne for additional medical examinations following a serious crash with Maverick Vinales during the second-to-last lap of the Australian MotoGP Sprint, Marco Bezzecchi met with the FIM Stewards upon coming back to Phillip Island on Sunday.

The VR46 competitor received a long lap penalty after losing control in the braking area at Turn 1, soon after the Aprilia rider had overtaken him.

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The situation was described by the FIM Stewards in the following manner:

As Lap 11 began, just after crossing the finish line and before reaching Turn 1, rider #12 Vinales successfully overtook rider #72 Bezzecchi, managing to do so without any physical contact.

Car #12 applied the brakes in a steady and predictable manner, maintaining the same braking position as observed in the last three laps.

Upon examining the video footage, it is noted that #72 begins to alter their course. Coupled with delayed braking and increased speed, this made the collision unavoidable.

Considering the facts mentioned earlier, the Stewards conclude that the primary responsibility for the collision and the subsequent crash lies with #72.

The Stewards acknowledged that "the disturbance in the air created by the passing of car #12… might provide some level of justification in this instance."

According to the statement, "although this situation might warrant a double long lap penalty, due to mitigating factors, only a single long lap penalty will be enforced."

Starting the race from fourth position, Bezzecchi initially moved up to second place behind Jorge Martin. However, after completing a long lap penalty, he fell back to seventh place.

The situation deteriorated significantly when Bezzecchi took a tumble on the fifth lap, relegating him to the last spot for the remainder of the grand prix.

Reflecting on the events of Saturday, the young Italian, who is set to replace Vinales in the factory RS-GP seat in 2025, expressed:

"Maverick overtook me on the straight using the slipstream, causing turbulent air that pushed my bike to the left. To avoid hitting the outer curb, I had to steer the bike straight while leaning, as the wind was also forcing us outward."

"The issue arose when I made my move, and he positioned himself right in front of me, slowing down sooner than expected."

In the video, it's clear that he applied the brakes, then let go, and applied them once more. Typically, when you brake at the correct moment, you don't let go of the brake.

"I attempted to keep moving to the right, but the slipstream pulled me in, and I was unable to prevent the collision."

Despite his preference to avoid the penalty, he acknowledges the ruling because typically, it's the person following who is at fault.

However, he believed that there have been additional close calls where riders have been drawn into the slipstream while braking.

He stated, "Take last year as an instance: there was a similar situation in Qatar involving Pecco and Diggia, and also in Valencia with Martin and Pecco. The circumstances were identical, merely a different kind of turn. It was slightly slower, with less wind, and not quite like the conditions at Phillip Island, so to speak."

"This kind of situation could occur frequently, yet, luckily for others, they consistently managed to steer clear of any catastrophe."

"Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Maverick's behavior. As for the penalty, I have no complaints; I completed my long lap."

On Saturday, Vinales believed that Bezzecchi attempted to overtake him again, leading to the incident.

Vinales expressed his belief that the other racer intended to pass him once more. "That's how it seemed to me," he remarked. He explained that Di Giannantonio was trailing the racer, who braked at a usual spot. "The Stewards have to make the call," Vinales added.

When asked about the Stewards' observation that Bezzecchi had "eased off the throttle, then accelerated again and braked later" due to the turbulence, the rider with the number 72 commented:

"I had to steer away because he overtook me so closely that it shifted my bike. However, according to the data, it was still 120 meters ahead of the usual braking point. So, I had to accelerate slightly. After that, I applied the brakes as I usually do."

"It's possible that Vinales usually applied the brakes sooner than I did, but I'm not sure. From what I observed, he braked, let go, and then braked once more. However, since he was ahead, I can't really comment on it."

Though Vinales had a valid reason to be upset after being knocked off at such a high speed, Bezzecchi believed it was not suitable to make an obscene gesture from the gravel trap.

In a conversation at the medical center, he assured me, "It's okay, what's most important is that we're both alright." However, when he showed up for the interviews, he was visibly upset with me!

"I was not impressed with how he acted right after the accident. If the roles were reversed, I would have gone to see how the other rider was doing, rather than giving the middle finger and repeatedly swearing at me following our collision at 300 km/h."

Nonetheless, what really matters is that we're okay.

"I traveled to Melbourne using a helicopter and underwent a scan focusing on my upper body, including my neck and head. The doctor emphasized the importance of this procedure. After returning, I had another appointment with the MotoGP doctor earlier today."

Despite experiencing discomfort in his arm and back, Vinales managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the grand prix held on Sunday.

He expressed his satisfaction, noting it was great, particularly because he avoided any injuries and will be able to compete in Thailand the following weekend. This is excellent news as they continue to contend for the fifth spot in the championship standings.

"I have no comments on the long lap penalty for Bezzecchi; ultimately, it's up to the Stewards to determine whether a penalty should be imposed."

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