LCR Honda’s Zarco and Aprilia’s Espargaro have been battling on the outer reaches of the factors in Sunday’s grand prix at Jerez after they collided at Flip 5 on lap 10.
The incident was positioned underneath investigation by the FIM stewards panel, however no additional motion has been taken following a listening to involving each riders.
Nonetheless, Zarco says double 500cc world champion Spencer – who has helmed the FIM stewards panel since 2019, which was created within the wake of the notorious Sepang conflict between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez to take penalty judging out of the race director’s arms – shouldn’t be match for his place.
In a prolonged assault, the Frenchman mentioned at Jerez: “Me, in my view, as a result of I went to the race course and Freddie Spencer was watching the motion with us.
“And it appears he was taking a look at me like he needed to know what I needed.
“He needed for me to complain about Aleix. I mentioned ‘I can’t complain’ however I mentioned to him he isn’t good for this job as a result of he doesn’t take the fitting determination in the fitting moments.
“So, ‘don’t ask me what you need to do’.”
Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
When it was put to him it gave the impression of Spencer was ready for Zarco to determine what must be performed, he added: “It appears it’s like this. I went to the race course and he was taking a look at us, as a result of I used to be with Aleix, like we’re two kids and so they need to do an ethical lesson.
“However ‘no Freddie, possibly you could have lots of ardour however you don’t take the fitting choices. You aren’t in the fitting place’, and we have to transfer issues on as a result of the motion of Brad [Binder] yesterday [in the sprint] – if there’s not [Marco] Bezzecchi [on the outside] – can occur as a result of Pecco [Bagnaia] was stunned by Brad, he picked up the bike and he hit Bezzecchi.
“So, in that second there is a chance for Brad as a result of additionally Brad may take into accounts that [overtaking] three will be difficult.
“So, settle for this and management. And at this second Aleix agreed with me.
“Anyway, the riders are working to have this group collectively to have the fitting to talk after which get the fitting individuals to make the choices.
“Aleix in the present day, it’s only a pity that we crashed and simply the whole lot after was mistaken. And I repeat Freddie Spencer shouldn’t be the fitting man on this place.”
Zarco says he was “kicked out” of race course for his outburst.
Johann Zarco, Staff LCR Honda
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
For Espargaro’s half, he says that he locked the entrance wheel at Flip 5 which despatched him down and into Zarco – however was sad with the battle with the Frenchman as much as that time.
“I used to be very sad as a result of I mentioned to Johann, we’re in P14, he hit me three or 4 instances, it’s essential have extra respect,” he mentioned.
“He mentioned it is my method of driving, overtaking like this. Okay, it is not my method of driving. That is why to keep away from the contact I locked the entrance and I crashed.
“As a result of the simple factor for me at that nook was to the touch him somewhat bit.
“We noticed that yesterday no penalty coming on this. But it surely’s not my driving type.
“I do not need to do this. I locked the entrance to keep away from the contact.
“That is what I mentioned to Johann. And he mentioned, okay, I perceive you, however then Johann was actually indignant with all of the race course panel for different actions of yesterday and he does not disguise the feelings.”
Inconsistency within the utility of penalties was a key criticism amongst riders final yr, whereas others – most notably Cal Crutchlow – have since 2019 been extraordinarily vocal of their dislike of the job Spencer has been doing.