Álex Márquez penalized for Motegi sprint race collision

Álex Márquez has been issued a double long lap penalty for the main race at the Japanese Grand Prix following a collision during the Motegi sprint race. The incident occurred at turn three on the first lap when Márquez, riding for Gresini Racing, attempted an overtaking maneuver and collided with Pedro Acosta and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Acosta, who had qualified third, expressed frustration, noting that the error ruined his chances for a podium finish. He criticized the maneuver, stating, “The art of overtaking is that, overtaking; not knocking anyone out to pass in front of you.”

Di Giannantonio was taken to the medical center for a check-up after a heavy impact to his ribs but was cleared of serious injury. Márquez accepted full responsibility for the mistake, describing it as a “bad day” and stating that the penalty was “absolutely justified.”