It was probably the most thrilling Moto3 race during the last couple of years, which saw 16-year-old KTM Ajo rider, Pedro Costa won his maiden victory in Qatar last Sunday.
However, the race was stained by a fight between John McPhee and Jeremy Alcoba.
The Petronas Sprinta and Gresini rider were a part of the lead group in Sunday thrilling encounter at Losail before both of them involved in an accident at Turn 1 at the beginning of Lap 15.
Alcoba encountered Darryn Binder rear tyre and crashed out before the bike flicked striking McPhee’s head and got the rider from his machine.
McPhee, who endured exactly the same fate per week before, lashed out at Alcoba in the gravel trap and were able to land a kick, using the latter also retaliated.
McPhee later issued an apology for that incident.
“I let my emotions get the better of me in Qatar, being removed for the second week in succession as a consequence of another rider’s mistake.
“I must apologise for my conduct – I didn’t react well to the incident.
“It is an adrenaline-fuelled sport, with obvious inherent danger; using a competitor’s bike strike my head triggered an out-of-character response, and I’d like to apologise towards the fans, my team, Petronas and our partners.
“I accept the penalty and will start Portimao centered on the job available,” he explained.
Both of the riders were hit with EUR1000 fines for his or her behaviour and will start the Portuguese GP in the pitlane.
Alcoba will start 5s after the remaining pack while McPhee needs to wait for 10s before leaving.
