Franco Morbidelli hit with three-place Thailand Grand Prix grid penalty after Pecco Bagnaia incident
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Published 28/02/2025 at 12:37 GMT
There was a dramatic and controversial end to Friday's practice session at the first MotoGP event of the 2025 season in Thailand. Two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia's final lap, which could have sent him into Q2 with a top-10 finish, was disrupted by Franco Morbidelli. The Italian has now been hit with a three-place grid penalty for Sunday's curtain-raising Grand Prix.
Bagnaia pays price for 'unacceptable' Morbidelli error - 'How many times has he done that?'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Franco Morbidelli has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the first Grand Prix of the 2025 MotoGP season in Thailand after disturbing Francesco Bagnaia during practice.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 rider blocked Bagnaia’s path as the two-time world champion attempted to make a late dash into the top 10.
Bagnaia gesticulated angrily towards his fellow Italian after being forced to abort his lap, leaving him in 13th place and facing a Q1 session on Saturday.
MotoGP subsequently confirmed Morbidelli’s punishment of a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Somkiat Chantra (LCR Honda) was hit with the same punishment at his home Grand Prix after "riding slow online and disturbing Alex Marquez at Turn 1".
Morbidelli finished fifth in practice, where Alex Marquez edged his brother Marc to top spot, with Pedro Acosta third and Marco Bezzecchi fourth.
The incident irritated TNT Sports co-commentator Sylvain Guintoli, who pointed out that it was not the first time the Italian has been guilty of the error.
"Every time! How many times has Franco Morbidelli done that? It’s such a shame," he said.
"He’s on the racing line, he should know better. He shouldn’t be there."
'Bagnaia's last chance' ruined
At the end of an eventful practice session, Guintoli reflected that it was unfortunate Bagnaia could not complete what had looked to be one of his best laps of the day.
The Ducati rider made a slow start in Thailand but was on course to book a Q2 spot with a top-10 finish until his effort was derailed.
"It’s a shame, you feel a bit sorry for Bagnaia," Guintoli said.
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Marquez senior celebrates as Alex edges Marc for family one-two in MotoGP Thailand practice
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He bounced back, put a good session together, and was denied a chance at it. It’s not a given he was going to be in the top 10, but this lap looked fast, and it was his last chance.
"It’s just a shame he didn’t get a chance to do it. The first two sectors were looking good."
Qualifying begins on Saturday morning at 3:50am UK time, followed by a Sprint race at 8am.
The Thailand Grand Prix starts at 8am UK time on Sunday morning, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch and stream the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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