Francesco Bagnaia slams penalty decision after Alex Marquez incident in Practice - 'Clown penalties are useless'

Francesco Bagnaia came out fighting after being issued with a grid penalty at the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, branding it a "clown" penalty.

The reigning world champion was penalised for an obstruction on Alex Marquez in Friday Practice, and was subsequently unsuccessful in his appeal.

Despite coming second in qualifying, Bagnaia will start Sunday's race in fifth, but the penalty will not be enforced for Saturday's Sprint race.

“One of the greatest things I could do today [is] starting in the front row because these clown penalties are useless,” he told TNT Sports.

“But today [in the Sprint race] it will be important to start well and to do the maximum, and we know that our best is very fast.

“I think if we can be leading in the first lap, we can take the advantage.”

Prima Pramac rider Jorge Martin finished top of Q2 to take pole position after setting a new lap record [1:44.504] in the second of seven laps around the course, and hailed a fine morning’s work.

“It feels really good," Martin said. "We worked a lot yesterday evening, not on the set-ups but more on the turnings. I was struggling to find that grip.

“The tyres were better, and also the electronics. We had this amazing 44.5 lap time. The second rider was coming in close, but then Marc [Marquez] crashed so I lost a bit of concentration, but it was also a good lap.

“I think we are strong for tomorrow.

"Today will also be a tough race because the pace is super fast, but let's see what we're going to achieve.”

Maverick Vinales came third in Q2, and the Aprilia Racing rider spoke about the enjoyment which he gains from competing in Italy.

“I did a little high side, so I lost a lot [of time], but it was good to push the bike to the maximum,” he said.

“It's a pleasure to ride these lap times in Mugello and to ride these lap times with confidence.

"It's an amazing atmosphere here and I love the Italian tracks, so I will try to do a great race.

“I feel good, the lap times were very fast, and I didn't expect it to be that fast, but I was feeling good behind Pecco [Bagnaia] and then I did it again alone.

“So, we're going to try to be in a good position in the first corner, and then we're going to try to fight back.”

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