Debate rages over Simoncelli move that took out Pedrosa

Marco Simoncelli’s reputation as the bad boy of MotoGP rose to new heights after he was involved in a collision with Pedrosa that left the luckless and injury prone Spaniard with a broken right collarbone.

Simoncelli and Pedrosa had just exchanged overtakes at Turn 6 when the factory Honda duo tangled on lap 18 of the Le Mans MotoGP while jostling for second position.

The Italian’s riding was adjudged to have been too aggressive and after close scrutiny from Race Direction, Simoncelli was hit with a ride through penalty that cost him his chance to record a maiden MotoGP rostrum. He eventually finished fifth.

MCN interviewed all the leading MotoGP riders after the race – full report in this week’s MCN, out on Wednesday – and there was unequivocal condemnation of Simoncelli. Top Honda bosses weren’t best pleased either.

Simoncelli is undoubtedly a phenomenally gifted rider, but has yet to convert potential into podiums or victories in MotoGP. The last three races have not gone well:

Jerez: crash
Simoncelli was leading a rain-lashed Jerez race when he crashed out of the lead and was forced to retire.

Estoril: crash
Simoncelli qualified on the front row for the first time but crashed on a cold tyre on the first lap.

Le Mans: collision
Fighting for second place with Dani Pedrosa, Simoncelli is involved in a collision with the Spaniard and is handed a ride through penalty dropping him to fifth