MotoGP Raceweek: Tension mounting for Repsol Honda team-mates in Barcelona
June 15, 2019 16:54 MYT
The tension appears to be mounting between Repsol Honda team-mates Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo.
An on-track altercation between the pair marred FP3 ahead of the Catalunya Grand Prix, with Marquez seemingly unhappy about Lorenzo's track position when he attempted to set a fast lap.
The reigning champion stated afterwards his colleague should be punished.
"It annoys me because when I did it last year they gave me a penalty, both in Austin and in Malaysia. They were right. Jorge has to be penalised," Marquez was quoted as saying by Sky Sport Italia.
"It happened at Mugello with [Joan] Mir, there was contact between us while I was doing a fast lap. The same thing happened today.
"These are things that happen in a race, but the same rules should apply to everyone."
“We need to try to survive” - @marcmarquez93 Expecting at least 3 or 4 riders to have the pace tomorrow, Marc is expecting an all out battle for the victory #CatalanGP pic.twitter.com/9PqZ6sT5Mx
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) June 15, 2019
Lorenzo has struggled since his arrival from Ducati and suggested his team-mate's continued success has made the manufacturer unwilling to make changes that could benefit others.
The three-time champion took a trip to Honda's headquarters in Japan and is expected to introduce a string of new elements in Brno following the mid-season break.
Footage of the pair on track later on Saturday suggested they put the incident behind them, but with Marquez going on to take second in qualifying and Lorenzo having to settle for 10th, it is unlikely the atmosphere in the Repsol Honda garage will be completely harmonious.
NO PAIN, NO GAIN FOR QUARTARARO
The only person who went quicker than Marquez in Q2 was Petronas Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo.
It is the 20-year-old Frenchman's second pole of the season and came less than two weeks after he underwent arm pump surgery.
"For sure, this pole position is special. It's one of my favourite tracks, and 11 days after surgery I didn't know how my condition would be," said Quartararo.
"We managed to get a good pace and really good laps during the qualifying, so I'm really happy with how today went."
Quartararo had a close call with Maverick Vinales at turn nine after the final qualifying session and the Monster Energy Yamaha rider was handed a three-place grid penalty.
Vinales was found to be "riding in an irresponsible manner" and will consequently start sixth, with Quartararo's team-mate Franco Morbidelli moving up to join him on the front row.
Yesss ! Pole position in Barcelona pic.twitter.com/lSW8eYbaGS
— Fabio Quartararo (@FabioQ20) June 15, 2019
THE GRID
1. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha)
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2018: Jorge Lorenzo
Riders
1. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) 115
Teams
1. Ducati 185
A warm day with minimal wind awaits the riders in Barcelona on Sunday, so conditions will be much the same as they were during qualifying.