Avintia Ducati rider Johann Zarco has hit back at criticism from Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro following an incident in Portugese Grand Prix practice.
Espargaro stirred up the turmoil date back to the fourth free practice session of the Portuguese GP, when Zarco’s engine broke and smoked the last section of the circuit.
After deviating from the trajectory, the Frenchman crossed the track at turn 15, in order to regain the pit lane. Although Zarco explained that he knew the origin of the problem and that he knew that he would not spill oil on the track, Espargaro did not believe him for a moment.
“There are riders who don’t know about mechanics, so sometimes they do things because they don’t know what’s going on, but I totally knew what was going on and so I knew I wasn’t losing oil, that’s the reason I did this. They all think I do things without thinking, but I think more than they think.” Zarco said.
“When they were all mad at me, I went to the Security Commission and no one spoke. They can say a lot of things, but when you are in front of them they say nothing.
“This is typical of Aleix, and if he has a problem with me he should come see me and we would talk to each other, but he doesn’t. I did it with Pol after the Czech Republic: we didn’t agree, but at least we were able to talk to each other.” Zarco added.
Espargaro admitted he was angry at Zarco “stupid answer” for justifying what he did at Portimao. However, Zarco once again defended his action on last Saturday.
“When smoke comes out of the bike, we don’t know where it comes from. The problem is, Zarco never learns. In the race he hit two riders in front of me, it’s incredible.” Espargaro said.
“I have nothing against him, but if you see smoke coming out of the bike, you can’t cross the track in a bend that takes place in fourth gear, in which people come full throttle at almost 200 km / h.
“If someone comes up behind and there is oil or water, that person can die. It is a question of responsibility. He doesn’t care what happens to other riders. That’s what pisses me off.” Espargaro added.
