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Update | MotoGP rider Bagnaia reacts after accident under influence

5 July 2022 at 20:10
Last update 5 July 2022 at 21:55
  • GPblog.com

Moto GP winner Francesco Bagnaia was involved in a one-sided car accident in Ibiza on Tuesday morning. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and therefore risks losing his licence. The rider was the only person in the vehicle and seems to be in good physical shape.

Bagnaia causes alcohol-influenced road accident

Bagnaia, winner of the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen at the end of June, was riding alone in a passenger car on Monday night when he went off the road. No other vehicle was involved in the accident, reports Ultima Hora. When the authorities arrived at the scene of the accident the Ducati rider was found to have more than three times the permitted amount of alcohol in his blood, which puts him at risk of losing his licence.

Ducati have yet to comment on the incident, but it seems unlikely to have any consequences for his MotoGP career. Bagnaia took his third win of the season at Assen and, despite four stoppages, remains a contender for the 2022 world title. Earlier this year Ducati announced an extension to his contract, meaning the Italian will remain with the team until the end of 2024.

Update | Bagnaia responds to incident

In the meantime, Bagnaia has issued a statement on his social media. He states he almost never drinks, but that in his week off he celebrated the win in Assen with his friends. He explains how the incident could have happened and says he regrets his recklessness. Bagnaia apologised and said he has learned his lesson.