On Saturday afternoon within the weekend’s third apply session, Espargaro slapped Morbidelli on his crash helmet after the pair got here collectively at Flip 6 whereas the previous was making an attempt an overtake.
Espargaro was handed a six-place grid penalty for the grand prix and a €10,000 fine, whereas Morbidelli launched a scathing assault on the Aprilia rider on Saturday night.
Talking to the media on Sunday, Espargaro mentioned he was “ashamed” of his behaviour, however feels Morbidelli is a repeat offender in getting in riders’ ways on track – highlighting a number of incidents in Malaysia the week earlier than.
“I mentioned earlier than, [the] very first thing is I’m very sorry and ashamed of my outburst for my crew and myself,” Espargaro started.
“Clearly, in case you simply noticed the final a part of the story I totally settle for the accountability. It was not my concept to punch him or no matter, it was simply my concept to make him go away.
“It was my mistake, however for my part, it’s not honest simply to look at the final 5 seconds. For me, Franco, it’s one yr and a half that he’s cruising all all over the world on tracks.
“It’s his perspective, he has no respect for anyone. Final race it was along with his team-mate, [there was] no penalty.
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Franco Morbidelli, Yamaha Manufacturing unit Racing
“Additionally with Marc, calling him like a canine. Yesterday to me thrice. After he impeded me thrice, I used to be attempting to return on observe and he was not permitting me to go within the observe.
“Then I reacted very badly. I’m sorry for my response, however I feel it’s not likely honest to guage the final 5 seconds.
“After which the factor that I’m extra indignant about, and this is not going to end right here, is to the press he talked about my household and my sones.
“And for me, this isn’t honest, what he did. He went over [the limit]. I’m very indignant.”
Espargaro suffered a small fracture to his leg in a crash within the dash, which finally pressured him to drag out of the grand prix in Qatar seven laps in.
Whereas the ache was an issue for him within the warm-up, Espargaro says the true challenge was the build-up of blood within the harm space.
“I imply, I’ve a fracture, fairly necessary fracture within the peroneal,” he mentioned.
Picture by: Aprilia Racing
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Group
“The issue is just not actually the fracture. The issue is that all the pieces is stuffed with blood, the ligaments, the muscle mass, all the pieces.
“So, it’s like a compartment feeling. I bought a bump of medication to attempt to keep away from the ache as a result of this morning [in warm-up] it was unimaginable to experience as a result of ache.
“Within the race I didn’t have ache, however I had no energy on the foot as a result of all the pieces was filled with blood.
“So, my leg was utterly locked and I made a decision to cease within the storage. It was unimaginable for me to go up and down in gearing.”