Qatar MotoGP Sprint Marquez wins after Bezzecchi clash, Digi Mart USA News (Lusail, Qatar): Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Sprint at the Lusail International Circuit, but the race is expected to generate considerable discussion over an incident with Marco Bezzecchi and a serious crash involving Francesco Bagnaia.
The early stages were chaotic. Bezzecchi made a fast start to lead, with Marquez following closely and Bagnaia briefly moving into second.
Fermin Aldeguer made contact with Bagnaia at the start, sending him off the track in a heavy crash. Bagnaia was conscious but was taken to the medical centre, and initial reports indicate fractures of the fourth and fifth metatarsals of his right foot, with plans to return to Italy for surgery.
The race was red-flagged to clear debris and restarted from the grid. Bezzecchi attacked Marquez on several occasions, and on lap four Marquez closed the door on him, sending Bezzecchi down.
The race direction stated there would be no further action against Marquez. Aprilia team principal Massimo Rivola was seen making sarcastic remarks, and the incident is expected to be discussed further.
Jorge Martin finished third despite a fractured right arm, having started 11th in qualifying. He made progress through the field and at one point challenged Marquez before settling into third.
Fabio Di Giannantonio took second place after passing Martin on the final lap. Marquez said the race had been strange and expressed hope that Bezzecchi was well, adding that an airbag deployed after the contact.
Martin said he was proud of his performance just two weeks after his injury.
With the result, Marquez leads the championship on 411 points, ahead of Martin on 362 and Bezzecchi on 332. Marquez can still win the title at Sunday’s race if he wins and Martin does not score points.
