The MotoGP world is once again at the center of a media storm, this time not only due to the spectacular on-track battles, but also due to an episode that has sparked debate among fans, experts, and outside observers. During the Thai Grand Prix, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli, two Italian riders who used to train together under the aegis of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy, were involved in an altercation that shed light on alleged “toxicity” within the motorcycle circus. The situation has degenerated to the point of pushing the FIM and race control to intervene, fueling a debate that goes beyond the individual episode and calls into question the very image of the championship.

The accident that triggered it all occurred during the second free practice session at the Buriram circuit. Bagnaia, struggling to improve his time and go directly to Q2, was hampered by Morbidelli, who was slowly advancing on the line at Turn 5. An unexpected event that forced the Ducati champion to abandon his fastest lap, leaving him out of the top ten and relegating him to Q1. Pecco’s frustration exploded shortly afterward when the two crossed paths in the paddock. What could have been a simple clarification between old friends turned into a heated argument, with tones that, according to some rumors, exceeded the limits of normal sporting dialectics. The cameras didn’t capture the entire exchange, but images of a visibly upset Bagnaia and a defensive Morbidelli went viral on the web, unleashing an avalanche of comments.

The FIM didn’t sit idly by. After analyzing the on-track incident, the stewards penalized Morbidelli with three grid places for obstructing his teammate, but the real twist came with the ultimatum imposed on the Ducati Lenovo and Pertamina Enduro VR46 teams: an official reminder to maintain control over their riders to prevent similar tensions from escalating into something more serious. This isn’t the first time MotoGP has encountered friction between its protagonists, but this case has taken on a particular dimension due to the personal bond between the two riders and the pressure they are both under in a crucial season. Bagnaia, fresh off losing the 2024 title and determined to regain the crown, didn’t hide his anger, also blaming race direction for a questionable decision regarding a yellow flag that would have nullified a previous valid lap. Morbidelli, for his part, is trying to relaunch himself with the VR46 team after a difficult few years, and the episode seems to have put him even more in the spotlight in an unflattering way.

The result? A narrative that took an unexpected turn. On social media and forums, MotoGP has been accused of having become a “toxic” environment, where exasperated competition and personal rivalries are obscuring the sporting spirit that has always distinguished the sport. Some fans criticized Bagnaia for losing his temper, others defended Morbidelli by claiming the crash was unintentional, but the real target was the system itself: race direction perceived as inconsistent, increasingly invasive media pressure, and a tight calendar that leaves little room for riders to mentally recover. It doesn’t help that the arrival of Marc Márquez to the official Ducati team alongside Bagnaia has already fueled speculation about possible internal conflicts, making the atmosphere even more electric.

Still, there are those calling for calm. Morbidelli, in the post-race interview, tried to downplay the situation: “It was a misunderstanding, it happens in MotoGP. I’m sorry for Pecco, but it’s nothing personal.” Bagnaia, while maintaining a certain harshness in his initial statements, later hinted that he wanted to put the incident behind him and focus on the race. But the damage to the image has already been done. MotoGP, which in recent years has worked to present itself as a global and inclusive sport, now finds itself having to deal with a narrative that paints it as a gladiatorial arena where friendship and respect are sacrificed on the altar of victory. Some sponsors have already expressed their concern, while organizers are considering stricter measures to prevent similar episodes from recurring.

What remains of all this? A season that promises to be incandescent, with Bagnaia and Morbidelli destined to prove that their clash was just a blip along the way. But, above all, a MotoGP that will have to look in the mirror and decide whether it wants to be remembered for its spectacular races or its controversies. The film’s ban, ironically, seems to be the least of the problems: the real script is being written on the track, and not everyone is willing to applaud.