Johann Zarco blames bagnaia over Controversial Aragon GP Incident Between Álex Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia

Johann Zarco Weighs In on Controversial Aragon GP Incident Between Álex Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia

The fallout from the controversial collision between Álex Márquez (Gresini/Ducati) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) during the MotoGP Aragon GP continues to stir debate within the racing community. Among those sharing their perspective is Johann Zarco, the French rider currently with LCR Honda, who offered a measured view of the incident.

Zarco, an experienced MotoGP competitor, categorized the clash as a racing incident—a term used to describe unavoidable accidents that occur during the high-speed, high-pressure environment of competitive racing.

According to Zarco, the situation resembled a previous incident involving Maverick Viñales at Le Mans, which was similarly deemed a racing incident.

Reflecting on the specifics of the Aragon GP collision, Zarco observed that Márquez might have still been slightly ahead of the reigning 2022 and 2023 champion, Bagnaia, as they entered the corner:

“Pecco has lost a lot, and it could be a similar situation to [Maverick] Viñales in Le Mans. [That was a racing incident] But also this one, because in the moment they entered the corner, Álex is not far back – he is maybe still in front.”

While Zarco acknowledged that Bagnaia was on a more favorable line as they approached the corner, he suggested that the Italian rider should have been more cautious of Márquez’s position.

Zarco pointed out that Márquez was not obligated to yield simply because Bagnaia had a better trajectory: “Pecco was in a better line, but it’s not because Pecco is in a better line that Álex has to say, ‘OK, I slow down and I wait that Pecco do the corner’. So I guess Pecco should have a bit more in consideration where Álex was.”

Zarco’s comments add to the ongoing discourse surrounding the incident, with opinions divided on who, if anyone, was at fault. The incident highlights the razor-thin margins and split-second decisions that define MotoGP, where even the slightest miscalculation can lead to dramatic consequences.

As the debate rages on, both Márquez and Bagnaia will be looking to put the incident behind them as they prepare for the upcoming races. However, the incident at Aragon will likely be analyzed and discussed for some time as fans and experts alike weigh in on what many are calling one of the more contentious moments of the season.