Moto2: Barbera fired following drink driving conviction

Pons Racing Moto2 rider Hector Barbera has been fired by the team following his conviction today for drink driving offences in his native Spain. He was arrested on Wednesday night after being found over the limit, and was handed a one-year driving ban in a court in Valencia this morning.

The conviction isn’t Barbera’s first encounter with similar problems, appearing in court back in 2013 for a similar offence before reappearing shortly afterwards when he was caught driving with a suspended licence.

In a short statement, the Pons team announced this evening that they would be releasing him from his contract, while Barbera also released a statement admitting that he was at fault.

“I accept my mistake and accept the consequences. The worst is what has to do with my family, my friends and my partner, but also with my professional career. From the next Grand Prix of Catalonia I will not continue competing with my current structure.

“Even those that you think is deserved, that can be, you will understand that it is a very hard time for me. The word ‘repentance’ falls short to express what I feel. I have taken my step to Moto2 very seriously, although things are not going well. I am training more than ever and working very hard.

“I insist once again that I assume the consequences of what has happened. I will not stop fighting even though things are difficult, and this will be the attitude that I will continue to maintain. I apologize to anyone who has been affected by this situation, and I thank those who support me at a time like this.”