Bautista devastated and apologetic after first corner fiasco at Assen

Álvaro Bautista played little part in the Dutch TT, but infortunately his seconds of action on track had a big impact. The Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider lost the front of his bike on the opening corner, lowsiding and taking World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo out as well. The error was obviously unintentional and Bautista extends his apologies to the rider and his team.

Race Direction cited Bautista for riding in an “irresponsible manner”. His penalty is that he will have to start at the back of the MotoGP grid at next weekend’s German GP at the Sachsenring. The San Carlo Honda Gresini team appealed the penalty, but the FIM Stewards confirmed the decision, which is final.

Alvaro Bautista (DNF) “Unfortunately when I followed Dovizioso’s wheel I lost my braking point and hit the brakes far too late. I tried to slow the bike down, but lost grip on the front and lowsided. I am so sorry, even more so because I took out Lorenzo in the process and that was definitely the last thing that I wanted to happen. It was my fault that he crashed out and I apologise profusely to him for that. I hope that nothing similar ever happens again. I also apologize to my team, because they worked so hard this week and with this mistake I ruined what could have been a great result.”

Fausto Gresini “It is a shame about the early crash. Álvaro really didn’t mean it. I am very unhappy, because the crash caught the World Championship leader, Lorenzo, up in it. We are sad that it turned out this way and Álvaro has of course said that it was not intentional. He was trying to gain places but he lost his braking reference and hit the brakes too hard when the tyres were not up to temperature. That meant that he lost grip and that he slid into Lorenzo. Fortunately Michele was able to raise out morale with a good race, although we always seem to be missing a little something to get to the chequered flag as the best CRT. We are growing and are convinced that we will continue to improve, with a victory as soon as possible in this battle our aim for him. I am happy for Michele and the team, as they are working really hard.”

Sources: Gresini Racing, Honda Pro Racing