MotoGP World Champion Bagnaia Voices Concerns Over Moto3 Race Continuation Following Sighting Lap Incident at Sepang

Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia – Two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia has publicly questioned the decision-making process that led to the continuation of Sunday’s Moto3 race at the Sepang International Circuit, after a harrowing incident on the sighting lap resulted in injuries to two riders.

The incident occurred as the pit lane opened for the Moto3 race, the first event of the day. Newly crowned champion Jose Antonio Rueda, riding for Red Bull KTM Ajo, collided with the rear of Noah Dettwiler’s KTM as they exited Turn 3, en route to their starting grid positions. Both riders were immediately grounded, prompting a red flag and a significant delay to the race schedule.

Preliminary reports indicated that the accident was triggered by a disparity in closing speeds between the two motorcycles. Dettwiler, representing CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP, was believed to have experienced mechanical issues, causing his bike to decelerate unexpectedly.

Medical personnel attended to Rueda and Dettwiler at the scene. Both riders were conscious but, due to the nature of their injuries, were airlifted to a local hospital for thorough evaluations. At the time of reporting, both Rueda and Dettwiler remain under medical observation.

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Following the conclusion of the MotoGP race, race officials released an update on Rueda’s condition, confirming that he had sustained a suspected hand fracture, alongside multiple contusions. An update on Dettwiler’s condition is still awaited.

In the wake of the crash, race organizers revised the day’s schedule. While all three races – Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP – proceeded as planned, the Moto3 race was shortened to a 10-lap sprint.

Bagnaia, the factory Ducati rider, expressed his reservations about the decision to proceed with the Moto3 race, given the gravity of the earlier accident. "To let the young riders [in Moto3] do a 10-lap race in those conditions after seeing helicopters going away with two of them, it’s not a perfect idea," Bagnaia stated. "I would never understand it, but it’s what it is."

The Ducati rider added, "Luckily, I’m not the one that needs to make these kinds of decisions. I think different things are done in a way that I would not do, but it’s what it is."

Bagnaia’s sentiment was echoed by other MotoGP riders, who spoke of the psychological impact of the incident on the paddock. Factory Honda rider Joan Mir, who finished third in the MotoGP race, acknowledged the challenge of refocusing after witnessing the Moto3 crash. "It has been very difficult for all the riders today to put on their suits given the situation we have experienced in Moto3," Mir said. "I have received some favorable news from the organization, and that somehow gives us peace of mind. It has been difficult, and I hope that things will improve as the hours go by."

VR46 Racing Team’s Franco Morbidelli emphasized that the lack of definitive information regarding the injured riders’ conditions further complicated mental preparations for the race. "We have no news, that’s the main issue, we have no news, so I’m waiting for some news," Morbidelli explained. "That’s what we should all hope for the best. Our job is to race and we race. I tell you my worry at the moment." Asked about the difficulty of concentrating after the crash, Morbidelli simply stated, "I think I didn’t manage to."

Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi aligned himself with Morbidelli’s views, stressing the importance of keeping riders fully informed about the circumstances following serious incidents. "It has been super tough," Bezzecchi said. "It’s still tough because we don’t have clear information. It’s not the best because I think that we deserve to know at least what’s happening."

Bezzecchi added, "The only thing I know is that I think they are quite stable, but I don’t know anything more. It was not the best day starting like this, seeing such a bad accident, but also not knowing anything about this. Seeing two helicopters go away and no news or anything, it was not the best. But we deserve to know what’s happening, because we are also riders. We have to go there and fight with the bikes and try to make the best performance that we can. But at least we have to have a clear mind."

The incident involving Rueda and Dettwiler underscores the inherent risks of motorcycle racing, particularly in the Moto3 category, where riders are often very young and competing on relatively lightweight machinery. The series serves as a proving ground for future stars of MotoGP, but the intensity of the competition can lead to close racing and increased risk.

Jose Antonio Rueda entered the Malaysian Grand Prix fresh off clinching the 2024 Moto3 Championship. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider has had a stellar season, showcasing exceptional talent and consistency throughout the year. His performances have marked him as a future prospect for higher categories of motorcycle racing. Prior to the Sepang race, Rueda had accumulated a significant points lead, cementing his championship victory with several races to spare.

Noah Dettwiler, on the other hand, is a relatively newer face in the Moto3 paddock. Representing CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP, Dettwiler has been working to establish himself within the highly competitive field. While he may not have achieved the same level of success as Rueda, his participation in the series contributes to the diversity and competitiveness of the Moto3 grid.

The Sepang International Circuit has been a staple of the MotoGP calendar since 1999 and is known for its combination of high-speed straights and technical corners. The circuit’s layout often promotes close racing and overtaking opportunities, but can also be unforgiving, with several high-speed corners and limited run-off areas in certain sections.

The incident involving Rueda and Dettwiler is currently under investigation by race officials and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), the governing body of motorcycle racing. The investigation will focus on determining the precise cause of the crash and whether any procedural or safety improvements can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This investigation is part of the FIM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing rider safety and ensuring the highest possible standards in motorcycle racing. Safety measures in Moto3, as in all classes of MotoGP, are continually reviewed and updated, taking into account data from previous incidents, technological advancements, and rider feedback.

The crash at Sepang has once again raised questions about the balance between competition and safety in motorcycle racing. While the sport inherently involves risk, the events of Sunday have underscored the need for constant vigilance and a proactive approach to minimizing potential hazards, especially in the entry-level classes where riders are still developing their skills and experience.

The MotoGP paddock now moves on to the Qatar Grand Prix. The riders and teams will carry the memory of the Sepang incident with them, serving as a reminder of the risks they face each time they take to the track.