MotoGP rider Takaaki Nakagami has defended Fabio Quartararo following his controversial clash with the Frenchman at the Argentina Grand Prix.
Quartararo was leading the race when he suddenly fell back, allowing Nakagami to overtake him. The French rider then appeared to have a problem with his leathers, which left him struggling to control his bike.
Nakagami, who eventually finished fourth in the race, says he doesn't think Quartararo's behavior was "crazy" as some have suggested.
"I don't think it was crazy," said Nakagami in the post-race press conference. "It was just an unfortunate situation for him. I know he's a very fast rider, so I don't think he would do something like that on purpose."
Quartararo, who won the season-opening race in Qatar, has been one of the standout performers this season. The Frenchman had looked on course for another victory in Argentina before the incident.
Despite the setback, Quartararo still managed to finish the race in 16th place, earning him a valuable point in the championship standings.
Nakagami, who was also one of the contenders for the podium, says he was pleased with his own performance.
"It was a tough race, but I gave it my all," he said. "I had a good battle with some of the other riders, and I'm happy to have finished in fourth place. It's a good result for us."
Nakagami's next chance to impress will be at the MotoGP race in Austin, Texas, on April 16-18.