Maverick Viñales: 'I gave space for two bikes; there was plenty of room' after clash with Pecco Bagnaia

Viñales and Bagnaia collided on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, with the Aprilia rider sent tumbling from his bike.

Maverick Viñales has said he gave Pecco Bagnaia "plenty of room" before their collision on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, which resulted in the Aprilia rider being sent tumbling from his bike.

Bagnaia was attempting to overtake Viñales on the inside at the high-speed Turn 9 when the two riders made contact. Viñales was launched from his bike and landed heavily on his back, while Bagnaia was able to continue.

Viñales was taken to the medical center for a check-up, but he was not seriously injured. He later took to social media to express his frustration at the incident and to suggest that Bagnaia was at fault.

'I think it was a racing incident' - Bagnaia

Bagnaia, who went on to win the race, said he believed the collision was a "racing incident." He said he had given Viñales "enough space" but that the Aprilia rider had closed the door on him.

"I don't think it was a fault from my side," Bagnaia said. "I think I gave him enough space. But he closed the door on me, and we touched. It's a racing incident."

Viñales: 'I gave space for two bikes'

Viñales, however, disputed Bagnaia's version of events. He said he had given Bagnaia "plenty of room" and that the Ducati rider had simply misjudged his move.

"I gave space for two bikes," Viñales said. "There was plenty of room. But he came from too far back. He didn't brake, and he hit me. It's not my fault."

The stewards investigated the incident but did not take any further action. They deemed it to be a racing incident.