BARTOSZ Zmarzlik admits he is “shocked and angry” after making an “unimaginable mistake” in wearing the wrong kevlars in qualifying for the Danish Grand Prix.
The error caused him to be expelled from the main event in Vojens and put his fourth world championship bid under serious threat.
Zmarzlik, 28, was sensationally ruled out on the eve of the GP for wearing kevlars during qualifying which showed the logo of his own sponsors, not the SGP branded suit.
The Pole was set to secure the world title in Denmark. But now, after missing the event and Fredrik Lindgren finishing runner-up, the gap at the top of the standings is down to just six points with one round to go in Torun.
Zmarzlik released this statement today: “This wasn't how last night was supposed to end. Even after hours have passed, I'm still shocked and bloody angry at what happened.
“As you probably well know, I was disqualified from yesterday's Grand Prix in Vojens due to the mistakenly worn Kevlar I wore during qualifying.
“This first unimaginable mistake in my life was that I wore my individual Kevlar which did not have the logo of the Championship Sponsor.
“Several dozen minutes before the start of training, I took part in marketing campaigns, which ended shortly before qualifying.
“Returning to the bus, I instinctively took Kevlar, which turned out to be the wrong one. Despite my mistake, I was allowed to practice by the competition referee.
“No one reported any problems before, during or after qualifying (which of course doesn't excuse me). I had the proper kevlar ready for the competition.
“I was informed about the decision of the jury chairman shortly before the competition, and unfortunately the appeal did not bring any results - I was ultimately not allowed to take part in the competition.
“I am speechless because, as I said, such an inexplicable mistake happened to our Team for the first time in their lives.
“I can assure you that we will make every effort to ensure that this never happens again.
“Therefore, now I would like to sincerely apologize to all Sponsors, thousands of Fans who came to Denmark and those whom I let down.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.