If you thought the Max Biaggi vs Marco Melandri incident during Saturday’s Superpole had finally been laid to rest, forget it.
Money can’t even begin to buy this type coverage especially here in Italy between two hot blooded racers with a history and play it to the hilt.
Melandri interviewed by Sky Sport 24 news explained his point of view: “Unfortunately during Superpole 2 I was on my fast lap with a qualifying tire and I found Max who was just coming out and ready to start his fast lap, so he was going slower.
The fact is that he saw me from far away and put himself on my line on purpose to ruin my lap.
It was clear that he saw me coming because he lifted his hand in sign of sorry even before I passed him.
He knew I was there.
I pulled up alongside him after he blocked me and I gave him my compliments, and then passed him a couple of times, and they weren’t even hard passes, it was just to let him know he should pay more attention and be more professional and that he isn’t the only rider on track.
At the end of the session he was upset and when he passed by my garage, I applauded him and he got heated under the collar, but I think this comes from some old stories that he’s never forgotten.
Really, if we ended up on the podium together I would have shaken his hand, but I’ve never would have invited him to dinner.
”In two different interviews, with Virgin Radio’s Revolver show and with Sky Sport 24, Biaggi apologized to everyone for his conduct.
A seemingly necessary gesture for a reigning World Champion, especially after all the criticism he received, but if he really wanted to make it sound like a sincere apology, and this is our personal take, maybe he should have avoided imitating Valentino Rossi’s accent and exploiting some of Melandri’s complaints when he was in MotoGP, just to lighten up the atmosphere.
Here’s an extract from Biaggi’s interview from both the radio show and the video:“I acted silly.
A world champion shouldn’t respond to provocation.
I’m sorry I got involved in all of that.
”I’m sorry because I didn’t need to do that.
Everyone can make mistakes, I’m human just like everyone else, and what matters is recognizing your errors.
I’m very good at some things, but also really foolish when it comes to others.
” “Melandri likes to complain a lot.
He said that Rossi was getting special tires, that Capirossi was stealing his paycheck, and had a comment for everyone.
Now that’s he’s in Superbikes, he is having problems with poor old Biaggi,” said a laughing Biaggi imitating Rossi’s pretty unique accent and probably remembering Melandri’s outburst at the Dedikato event.
After listening to Melandri’s interview, Biaggi remarked, “I’m not going to respond to Melandri’s comments, because that would be falling into the same provocation twice.
I’ll only discuss the facts.
We were judged by Race Direction at the track, who spoke with us and our team managers, and said that I did hold him up, but it was involuntary.
While what he did was deemed to be voluntary.
Both voluntary and involuntary actions are punishable, and in this case we were both penalized.
”“The fact that I went to his garage after the Superpole was in response to his provocation, especially after that sarcastic applause.
It made me mad, and I was silly to fall into his trap and play his game.
I’m sorry.
I know I made a mistake and that the gesture wasn’t appropriate.
But I’m like that.
I can’t fake it and I’ve always been direct.
Next time I won’t respond to any provocation.
And if we go back through the years, do you know how many incidents we would find where I was in the right, but I don’t want to get into that conversation.
I’ve made my comment on Race Direction’s decision, and all the rest is just talk.
”