Google News Jonathan Rea on Assen collision: I don’t want to be a diva and start placing blame
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Kawasaki rider Rea has denied that there is a conflict between him and Toprak Razgatlioglu after the collision in Assen “Unfortunately, we came together; I don’t want to be a diva and start placing blame or creating animosity about it,” said Rea, as quoted by motorsport.
“It happened, but it didn’t need to happen. “There could’ve been a bit more care on both sides but we’re racers, I understand that. “I actually saw Toprak just before this interview. I have no ill feeling with him, he’s a super good guy and I can park that.
But I can also put my helmet on and race him bar-to-bar at all the circuits around the world. “It’s unfortunate we both went down; it was a racing accident and of course, there’s a difference of opinion.
I respect his [opinion], but it probably didn’t need to happen. “Last year here, we were able to improve, and I felt good with the [Kawasaki] ZX-10RR, so I’m excited to see what we can do this weekend”.
Razgatlioglu also forgot about everything that happened and is focused on continuing the season and the races that await him. “I forget now about Assen. This is a race crash. “First it was my mistake, I went a little bit wide but not off the track, but normally Johnny needs to look at me.
He had a bit more space on the track but he didn’t use the space, and we crashed. “We are now focused on the race, also he’s focused. Estoril is very important for me”.
Toprak on the next races
Toprak is ready and is also motivated for what follows and he and the team seem to have worked hard preparing for what awaits them.
Toprak can do a lot, now it's all up to him.
“After the Assen race, we were training every day,” said Razgatlioglu. “Now we are really ready. I forget about the championship, just focused now on the race. For two rounds I was fighting for third, now I need to win.
“[It will be] very hot conditions, sometimes it’s changing, the tyres will be very important. In Aragon and Assen, Alvaro and Johnny were strong at these two tracks, but this track and also the other tracks we are very good.
“Last year I was not fast at Aragon or Assen, this year we were stronger but not enough for the win. At this track normally we are fast, but this year I think we are even faster”.