Italian GP flashback – 2022 Italian GP's Rins-Nakagami collision

MUGELLO – Two years ago in 2022 at Mugello, Ducati Lenovo Team rider and future two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia dominated the entire race to win his home race at iconic Mugello circuit, with 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo finished 2nd behind the Italian rider. But another story behind the race, is the incident involving Alex Rins (the then Team Suzuki Ecstar rider now riding in 2024 with Quartararo on Monster Energy Yamaha team) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu).

Both Rins and Nakagami were battling in the middle of their race position for 10th place. However, when Rins was about to overtake Nakagami at turn 11, the Japanese rider cut the Spaniard's racing line, causing the-then Suzuki rider crashed out of the race. 

During post-race, Rins explained that he didn't understand the way of Nakagami's riding over him (Rins). Rins then met former 500cc world champion Freddie Spencer who was one of FIM-Dorna MotoGP race direction, and Spencer told Rins that he's (Rins) is such a innocent rider to overtake and being overtaken.

Nakagami, who found guilty on the incident, avoided the penalty by saying that the collision is just deemed a racing accident. When the interviewer asked Nakagami that he's a "dirty rider", the LCR Honda Idemitsu rider answered "just thank you". Nakagami also explained that if both he (Nakagami) and Rins scored no points in consecutive races, they'll have no chances to fight for the title.

Sources:

- https://www.motogp.com/en/videos/2022/05/29/cctv-sheds-light-on-clash-that-left-rins-seething/423524