'That's not acceptable’ – How Franco Morbidelli ‘brain fade’ cost Pecco Bagnaia in practice session
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Published 28/02/2025 at 10:59 GMT
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Pecco Bagnaia will have to race in Q1 on Saturday at MotoGP Thailand after his late bid for a top 10 finish in practice ended in controversial fashion. The Italian had to abort his lap when he found Franco Morbidelli in front of him on the racing line. The incident, which is under investigation, frustrated TNT Sports expert Sylvain Guintoli. "That's not acceptable," he said.
Bagnaia pays price for 'unacceptable' Morbidelli error - 'How many times has he done that?'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Francesco Bagnaia was left gesticulating furiously when his late bid for a top 10 finish in MotoGP practice in Thailand was derailed by Franco Morbidelli’s "brain fade".
The two-time world champion will have to compete in Q1 on Saturday after ending practice in 13th place, but the curtain-raising session in Thailand will be remembered by many for a Morbidelli mix-up.
Bagnaia was forced to abandon his lap when he found a slow-moving Morbidelli in front of him on the racing line as he rounded a corner.
The incident was subsequently put under investigation, providing a dramatic and controversial end to the session – if not an entirely unusual one.
TNT Sports co-commentator Sylvain Guintoli was furious to see Morbidelli involved in an incident he is establishing something of a reputation for.
He said: "Every time! How many times has Franco Morbidelli done that? It’s such a shame. Why?
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Marquez senior celebrates as Alex edges Marc for family one-two in MotoGP Thailand practice
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He’s on the racing line, he should know better. He shouldn’t be there."
He added: "Morbidelli has had multiple penalties already. That’s not acceptable."
The session ended with Bagnaia in 13th place, meaning the Ducati title contender missed out on an automatic Q2 spot in Thailand ahead of Saturday's Sprint race and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
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The TNT Sports team continued to debate the incident after the riders had returned to the paddock, where Bagnaia appeared animated while talking to his team.
"How many times has Morbidelli done that? He’s had penalties before," Guintoli said.
"He’s had at least two penalties for doing this already. It must be more, but I can think of two. You would think when I’m on a slow lap and it’s the end of the session, you just look back."
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Marquez in ‘ominous’ form in MotoGP Thailand practice – ‘Looks at one with his bike’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Guintoli was keen to point out that there was no maliciousness in Morbidelli’s actions, rather a lack of awareness.
"It can happen, we’ve all done it at times," said the former World Superbike champion.
"Sometimes you don’t see it coming, if you’re on a slow lap the bikes come up to you really fast and you can get surprised.
"It’s not malicious, he’s not doing it maliciously. But you do need to pay attention.
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"He was completely on the racing line and ruined his mate Pecco Bagnaia’s best lap."
Michael Laverty added: "It’s strange. A rider of his intelligence just seems to have brain fade after he’s completed his session or his lap, it’s like he’s just cruising around."
Alex Marquez topped the leaderboard in practice ahead of his brother Marc, with Pedro Acosta in third.
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Yellow flag as Bezzecchi crashes out of MotoGP Thailand practice - 'He looks OK, ready to get back'
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Watch and stream the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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