Aldeguer apologises to Bagnaia after Qatar Sprint crash

Fermin Aldeguer returned to action in Qatar after missing the Australian and Malaysian rounds through injury. On the second lap of the Sprint, while battling Pedro Acosta for sixth, he misjudged his braking and crashed into the rear of Pecco Bagnaia's Ducati, which launched Bagnaia into the air. Bagnaia was later diagnosed with two fractures in his right foot.

Aldeguer apologised to Bagnaia and the Ducati team in the pit area and was handed a double long-lap penalty, which he served during the race. He said he had been trying to regain a position on Acosta, who had run wide at Turn 15, and that Bagnaia had taken a much wider line into the corner exit, leaving him no time to avoid contact.

Aldeguer insisted he had not braked later than usual, saying both he and Acosta had braked earlier than normal. He said his pace during the Sprint had felt good and that he would not otherwise have attempted the pass.