The Catalonia MotoGP Grand Prix was marked by a shocking accident involving the Spanish rider Álex Márquez, which generated moments of great concern at the circuit and forced the race to be stopped with a red flag.
The incident occurred on lap 12 when Pedro Acosta, who was leading the race, suffered a mechanical problem with his KTM exiting turn 10. The Red Bull rider's bike suddenly lost speed on the straight, and Márquez, who was very close behind, had no room to avoid the impact. The Ducati GP26 crashed violently into the back of the KTM, and the rider was thrown to one side of the track.
The scene generated immediate concern: the Gresini Racing rider ended up lying on the grass after sliding just inches from the barrier, while the remains of his bike were scattered across the circuit. In fact, the violence of the crash caused the visor of his helmet to be ejected.
The marshals quickly stopped the race to allow medical services to enter. The rider was treated on-site and then transported by ambulance to the circuit's medical center. Minutes later, the Gresini team confirmed that the Spanish rider was conscious and would be transferred to a clinic in Barcelona for more thorough examinations to rule out internal injuries. After a prolonged period of uncertainty, reassuring news arrived: Álex Márquez was out of danger.
This is how Álex Márquez's motorcycle looked after the crash.
On the other hand, the accident also affected other riders. Fragments of the Ducati were ejected and hit several riders coming behind. One of those involved was Fabio Di Giannantonio, who lost control of his bike after being struck by one of the detached tires from Márquez's bike. The Italian ended up on the ground and showed evident signs of pain in one of his hands after the fall.
The race was able to resume later with a reduced distance, although it was interrupted again later due to another multiple crash involving Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco, who also had to be sent to the hospital.
As for the sporting result, Giannantonio managed to regain positions on the third start and, with three laps to go, passed leader Acosta to take the victory.
