Lecuona Puzzled by Morbidelli Contact in Silverstone MotoGP Sprint

Iker Lecuona was left puzzled by Franco Morbidelli's move that ended his Silverstone MotoGP Sprint early. The Test Team rider retired from the race after a first-lap incident, despite feeling he had the pace to challenge for points.

Lecuona, who started 12th after progressing from Q1 to Q2, engaged in a fierce battle with Morbidelli in the opening laps. He passed the Ducati rider three times before contact forced him wide and into the gravel.

“I don't understand why he did that movement,” Lecuona said. “I overtook him three times, he started to lose time with Joan. I go much faster than him, I feel very good on the bike. I don't understand why he did that because he went completely straight.”

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Lecuona explained there was no direct contact, but as he tried to avoid the collision, he lost control on the dirty part of the track. “I couldn't do anything. I feel sad for the team because they did a really good job, and I'm sure I would have finished in the points. I have a lot of confidence,” he added.

From Morbidelli's perspective, it was just a racing incident. “I was a bit wide, and he went wide as well. Maybe he hit a dirty part and crashed,” he said. The two have since spoken and cleared the air.

Despite the DNF, Lecuona took positives from his performance, including a good start with the new rear device. He also noted he has “40 km less” on his tires, keeping him fresh for Sunday's main race.