Francesco Bagnaia on Wednesday taken to social media to apologise that he drove his car into a ditch in Ibiza while over the legal alcohol limit.
On the Spanish vacation island of Ibiza on Monday night, the Italian rider hit his car in a ditch. He was almost unharmed but when the Spanish civil guard and local police subjected him to the alcohol test the level was 0.87 mg/l of blood.
But under Spanish legislation, the highest tolerance limit is 0.25 mg/l, which is more than three times higher. Bagnaia’s driver license was reportedly withdrawn, and now he faces a criminal prosecution that, in the worst case scenario, may result in a prison sentence of one to four years.
“Last night I was in Ibiza with my friends for a part during this break from MotoGP,” Bagnaia wrote.
“We celebrated and toasted to together for my victory at the Dutch GP. As I was leaving the disco at 3am, I was facing a roundabout when I ended up with the front wheels in a ditch without involving other vehicles or people.
“However, the alcohol test carried out by the police found that the blood alcohol level was higher than what is allowed by Spanish law.
“I apologise to everyone, and I can assure you that I have learned my lesson. Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.” Bagnaia added.
According to reports, Bagnaia was in the car with other two friends when he got stuck on the side of the road, in an accident without major consequences and without involving other means
Bagnaia won the 2022 edition of the Dutch TT at Assen, as MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo crashed into his main title rival Aleix Espargaro. And so far, he lines fourth in the championship with 66 points behind Quartararo.
