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Fabio Di Giannantonio wins shortened Catalan MotoGP after Marquez crash
TL;DR
Fabio Di Giannantonio won the Catalan Grand Prix after a race marred by crashes, including a serious incident involving Alex Marquez. This marks Di Giannantonio's second MotoGP victory and VR46 Racing's first win since 2023.
Key points
- Fabio Di Giannantonio won the Catalan Grand Prix
- Race was red-flagged twice due to crashes
- Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco were hospitalized
- Joan Mir finished second, Fermin Aldeguer third
- Final standings are uncertain due to tyre pressure investigations
Mentioned in this story
Fabio Di GiannantonioAlex MarquezJohann ZarcoJoan MirFermin AldeguerAcostaAi OguraVR46 RacingGresini RacingTrackhouse
VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio claimed victory at the Catalan Grand Prix on Sunday in extraordinary circumstances, taking the chequered flag after a race that was red-flagged twice due to multiple crashes.
The Italian secured only his second MotoGP victory and VR46 Racing’s first since the Indian Grand Prix in 2023, but the triumph was overshadowed by serious incidents that sent Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco to hospital.
Honda’s Joan Mir finished second ahead of Gresini Racing’s Fermin Aldeguer while pole sitter Acosta crashed on the final lap after contact from Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura, who was handed a three-second penalty.
However, six riders were being investigated for their tyre pressures, leaving the final standings uncertain.
“Today has not been an easy day for everybody. I really hope that Alex is fine,” Di Giannantonio said.
“We’ve been really lucky. We know that our sport is amazing. We try to give an amazing show, but also we are humans and we are in danger. So I really hope that everybody is safe.”
KTM rider Pedro Acosta, right, rides in front of Ducati rider Alex Marquez shortly before they were involved in a massive accident on lap 12 of the Catalan Grand Prix [Jose Jordan/AFP]
Alex Marquez crashes into Acosta
The drama began on lap 12 when race leader Pedro Acosta’s KTM suddenly lost power on the straight near turn 10 and Gresini Racing’s Marquez, running second, had no time to react as he crashed into the back of the stricken machine.
Marquez and his Ducati careered towards the wall before both cartwheeled through the air as he lost control on the gravel.
The wheel from Marquez’s bike also struck Di Giannantonio, who went down but managed to nurse his machine back to the pits.
The second red flag came after an even more chaotic restart, when LCR Honda’s Zarco braked late on turn one of the first lap and took out Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia and Honda’s Luca Marini in a three-rider pile-up.
Both Marquez and Zarco were taken to hospital for further examinations, though the medical team confirmed they were conscious.
Q&A
What caused the red flags during the Catalan MotoGP?
The race was red-flagged twice due to multiple crashes involving several riders.
Who were the riders sent to the hospital after the Catalan Grand Prix?
Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco were sent to the hospital following serious incidents during the race.
What was the outcome for pole sitter Acosta in the Catalan MotoGP?
Pole sitter Acosta crashed on the final lap after contact with Ai Ogura, who received a three-second penalty.
How many MotoGP victories does Fabio Di Giannantonio have now?
Fabio Di Giannantonio has secured two MotoGP victories following his win at the Catalan Grand Prix.
