On Saturday afternoon within the weekend’s third apply session, Espargaro slapped Morbidelli on his crash helmet after the pair got here collectively at Flip 6 whereas the previous was making an attempt an overtake.
Espargaro was handed a six-place grid penalty for the grand prix and a €10,000 high-quality, whereas Morbidelli launched a scathing assault on the Aprilia rider on Saturday night.
Talking to the media on Sunday, Espargaro stated he was “ashamed” of his behaviour, however feels Morbidelli is a repeat offender in getting in riders’ methods on monitor, highlighting a number of incidents in Malaysia the week earlier than.
“I stated earlier than, [the] very first thing is I am very sorry and ashamed of my outburst for my crew and myself,” Espargaro started.
“Clearly, in case you simply noticed the final a part of the story I totally settle for the accountability. It was not my thought to punch him or no matter, it was simply my thought to make him go away.
“It was my mistake, however for my part, it is not honest simply to look at the final 5 seconds. For me, Franco, it is one 12 months and a half that he’s cruising all around the globe on tracks.
“It is his angle, he has no respect for anyone. Final race it was along with his team-mate, [there was] no penalty.
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Pictures
Franco Morbidelli, Yamaha Manufacturing facility Racing
“Additionally with Marc, calling him like a canine. Yesterday to me thrice. After he impeded me thrice, I used to be making an attempt to return on monitor and he was not permitting me to go within the monitor.
“Then I reacted very badly. I am sorry for my response, however I feel it is not likely honest to guage the final 5 seconds.
“After which the factor that I am extra offended about, and this won’t end right here, is to the press he talked about my household and my sones.
“And for me, this isn’t honest, what he did. He went over [the limit]. I am very offended.”
Espargaro suffered a small fracture to his leg in a crash within the dash, which in the end pressured him to drag out of the grand prix in Qatar seven laps in.
Whereas the ache was an issue for him within the warm-up, Espargaro says the true subject was the build-up of blood within the harm space.
“I imply, I’ve a fracture, fairly essential fracture within the peroneal,” he stated.
Photograph by: Aprilia Racing
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Crew
“The issue shouldn’t be actually the fracture. The issue is that all the things is filled with blood, the ligaments, the muscular tissues, all the things.
“So, it is like a compartment feeling. I obtained a bump of medication to attempt to keep away from the ache as a result of this morning [in warm-up] it was inconceivable to experience because of the ache.
“Within the race I did not have ache, however I had no energy on the foot as a result of all the things was stuffed with blood.
“So, my leg was fully locked and I made a decision to cease within the storage. It was inconceivable for me to go up and down in gearing.”
