Maximo Quiles, the current leader of the Red Bull Rookies Cup championship, has been excluded from the next round of the MotoGP access class at the Dutch TT in three weeks. The 16-year-old rider, who has already won the European Talent Cup twice, will not participate in the two races at the Assen circuit. This decision comes after Quiles caused a frightening accident at the finish line during the second race at the Italian Grand Prix. The incident can be seen at approximately 39 minutes and 30 seconds into the race broadcast.
During the race at Mugello, Quiles was in the lead as he approached the final corner. He aggressively maneuvered on the track, trying to block his pursuers from taking advantage of his slipstream. Unfortunately, this resulted in a collision with South African rider Ruche Moodley, who then collided with Alvaro Carpe. Fortunately, Moodley managed to avoid further damage, while Quiles recovered from the initial impact and finished in fifth place. Valentin Perrone from Argentina claimed the victory.
This incident raised concerns within the MotoGP paddock, especially considering the tragic death of Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier at the same circuit three years ago. Several riders called for immediate consequences for Quiles, holding him responsible for the accident. Aprilia team rider Aleix Espargaro expressed relief that there were no serious injuries, but emphasized the importance of teaching Quiles a lesson to prevent future disasters.
Les commissaires, prenant en compte les avertissements donnés aux pilotes concernant les risques de changements abrupts de trajectoire dans le dernier virage, ont décidé d’infliger une suspension de deux courses à Quiles. Ils l’ont jugé coupable d’avoir provoqué l’accident en changeant de direction devant un autre pilote dans le Virage 15. Quiles, qui fait partie de l’équipe Vertical Management fondée par Marc et Alex Marquez, est largement considéré comme l’un des pilotes les plus talentueux des catégories de course junior. Il a exprimé des remords pour l’incident, affirmant qu’il était « vraiment désolé » pour le contact avec Moodley.
Malgré la suspension, Quiles conserve toujours sa cinquième place dans la deuxième course de Mugello. Ce résultat lui donne un avantage étroit de huit points au classement du championnat sur Brian Uriarte, avec huit manches restantes dans la saison.
