HOLGADO APOLOGISES AFTER CONTACT TRIGGERS ALONSO’S MANDALIKA HIGH-SIDE

Dani Holgado accepted responsibility after contact with team-mate David Alonso triggered a dramatic crash at the start of Sunday’s Moto2 race in Mandalika, forcing officials to stop the contest with a red flag.

The incident unfolded in the Turn 1 pack. Holgado fell after striking the rear of Alonso’s bike, sending the Colombian into a highside. Joe Roberts and Collin Veijer were also caught up in the aftermath. Alonso was taken to hospital with a pulmonary contusion, or lung bruise, but had no further injuries reported. Holgado and Veijer were able to return for the restart; Roberts could not, as his repaired bike developed a rear-brake problem.

“I’d like to apologise for what happened, both to my team-mate David Alonso and to the team,” Holgado said. He explained that he braked and found himself alongside Alonso, but stressed that the crowded opening corners were no excuse. “I take full responsibility for my mistake. I’m sorry.”

Holgado went on to finish third, behind race winner Izan Guevara and Manuel Gonzalez, despite the crash and problems with his bike. He said getting back on was difficult and that his hand hurt after becoming slightly caught on Alonso’s wheel. He also reported that the bike’s throttle cut out when he shifted into fifth gear, costing him time, particularly in the final sector.

“I fell behind Izan Guevara and Manu González closed the gap on me significantly, but I gave it everything I had,” Holgado said. “I’m gutted because I would have liked us both to have been able to battle it out right to the end.”

The pair are both linked with MotoGP for 2027. Holgado is set to join Gresini Ducati, while Honda has yet to confirm whether Alonso will ride for its factory squad alongside Fabio Quartararo or join LCR with Johann Zarco.