The Friday practice session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was notably eventful, featuring multiple incidents that disrupted the day’s proceedings.
Early Session Collision: Fernández and Acosta
The session began with a collision between teammates Augusto Fernández and Pedro Acosta of the GASGAS Tech3 team. This incident raised concerns about intra-team dynamics and safety protocols.
Late Session Incident: Bagnaia and Viñales
Later, as the session concluded, a significant incident occurred involving Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and Maverick Viñales. As Viñales crossed in front of Bagnaia at Turn 1, Bagnaia’s front brake locked, leading to a crash. This incident highlights the critical importance of spatial awareness and communication among riders, especially during high-speed maneuvers.
These events underscore the unpredictable nature of MotoGP practice sessions and the ever-present risks riders face. They also serve as a reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and protocols to protect riders during both practice and competitive sessions.