P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Espargaro hit with Qatar MotoGP grid drop and fine after Morbidelli slap
During the third practice session of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar, Aleix Espargaro and Franco Morbidelli collided on track. Espargaro attempted to pass Morbidelli on Turn 6, resulting in a collision as they turned in, causing both riders to run wide. Espargaro struck Morbidelli’s crash helmet in frustration, leading to an investigation by the FIM MotoGP stewards. The stewards found Espargaro guilty of unsportsmanlike behavior and imposed a €10,000 fine and a six-place grid penalty for the grand prix. This penalty will only apply to the main race on Sunday and not the Saturday sprint race. Additionally, Iker Lecuona received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Enea Bastianini during qualifying, dropping him to last place on the grid for the race.
