Pedro Acosta was leading the race at the halfway point of the Catalan Grand Prix this Sunday at the Montmeló circuit, ahead of Álex Márquez, when his KTM suddenly suffered a blackout, causing a terrible crash and an immediate red flag on the track. The worst hit was undoubtedly the younger Márquez, who was riding just a few tenths of a second behind the rider from Murcia and was unable to avoid colliding with the rear of Acosta’s bike, losing control and crashing very close to the wall on the straight opposite the finish line.
During his usual press conference, the Murcia native did not want to comment much on his race, focusing instead on the incidents that caused the two red flags of the day.
Like all the riders at the end of today’s session, he wanted to send a message first to Álex Márquez and Johann Zarco, who were taken to the General Hospital of Catalonia following their respective crashes. “I want to send all my strength, on my own behalf and on behalf of KTM, to Álex and Johann, who have borne the brunt of everything that happened today.”
After the messages of encouragement, Pedro commented on the race directors’ decision following today’s events.
“It’s not really necessary to have three restarts when we’ve already had two red flags, when there are already two riders in the hospital, and when three or four more riders have also crashed. It’s all well and good that the show must go on, but we often forget that we’re the ones putting on the show. People’s health comes before the spectacle we can put on.”
What were you thinking when you got back to the pits after the first stop?
“I’d never been involved in a red flag like that before, and certainly not one as bad as this. A lot of times you can accept that you’re the one who made a mistake, like what happened at the end of the race (due to his contact with Ogura that took him out of the race with two corners to go, ed.), but when these things happen because of a mechanical failure, it feels even worse. It leaves you powerless to do anything. You’re left with the feeling that you couldn’t have done more, and that’s really tough.”
Lately, not many riders have been attending the Safety Commission—is it possible there will be more of you at the next race?
“There will surely be more of us at Mugello. We have to be thankful that the track seemed pretty safe and it didn’t get any worse. You never expect these things until they happen.”
Binder had a problem at the start, and Enea later retired due to a mechanical issue with his KTM as well. Have you asked the team for an explanation of what might be going on?
“I’ve been asking for explanations about what’s going on for a long time, and I haven’t received any answers in three years, so I don’t think there’s any need to look for another one. The only thing I want is for all the riders affected today to be okay, and if that happens, I’ll be more than happy tomorrow.”
Were you able to speak with Ogura after the crash?
“Yes, he came to the pit and then came to find me at the motorhome. But that’s the least of it today.”
Raúl Fernández commented that, despite the red flags, you’re professional riders and had to finish the race since it’s your job. What do you think?
“The show is all well and good if it doesn’t happen to you or people you know. I don’t think it was necessary. The 12 laps we did at the start were fine. When you’ve already had two scares on the same day, you also have to take a break.”
Would you agree that there should be a riders' association so they can stand up for themselves in these situations?
“I don’t think a riders’ association would accomplish anything. At the end of the day, we’re the ones racing. If none of us stand our ground, we’ll just go back out, because you won’t be the only one left in the pits—especially if you’re fighting for the championship. I think it has to be clear: after a second red flag, we don’t go out anymore. Period.”