Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi has called for changes in the Moto3 category, which he says is “completely out of control” in the wake of another terrifying crash.
Deniz Oncu was suspended for two races after the accident during last weekend’s race in Texas, where three riders were lucky to escape without serious injury, or worse.
Travelling at over 250 km/h, Oncu chopped in front of Jeremy Alcoba, sending Alcoba crashing to the track.
Andrea Migno and championship leader Pedro Acosta had no chance to avoid the carnage, and were sent flying through the air.
There’s been three deaths this year in the sport’s junior categories, including a 14-year-old, and a 15-year-old.
Rossi was also critical of the organisers, who made the decision to restart the race after an earlier fall.
“For me the penalty is right,” said Rossi.
“They had to do something. It’s a minimum that he has to spend two races at home, because they have to do something serious because the situation is completely out of control for me.
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“For me, they made a mistake because they make Moto3 restart for five laps, and it’s too dangerous for five laps. It’s like Russian Roulette.
“But apart from that, Oncu moved in the straight when he knows he has another rider alongside and cuts across.”
While Alcoba, Migno and championship leader Acosta walked away from the accident, those watching held their breath in the immediate aftermath of the crash, with commentator Steve Day admitting he feared the worst.
“I cannot believe we are watching three riders walk away unwounded, from what looked absolutely terrifying,” he said at the time.
“That was truly shocking to watch.”
Rossi conceded the sport had dodged a bullet.
“That potentially was a mortal crash. I was very scared for everybody. Acosta made a terrifying crash and they are very lucky nothing happened.
“But they have to do something serious with these young guys from the beginning. The situation has to change before something happens. Motorcycle racing is too dangerous to have this behaviour on track.
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