KTM star Pedro Acostastruck out against the race officials’ choice to restart the Spanish Grand Prix for a third time following bothAlex Marquez and Johann Zarcowere admitted to the hospital because of severe accidents.
Acosta was at the front of the pack when he abruptly lost power on the straightaway between Turn 9 and 10. Marquez, his Gresini teammate, was closely following his fellow countryman and didn’t have enough time to respond, resulting in a high-speed collision that sent him flying off the track and crashing to the ground.
Although Acosta managed to escape without injury, Marquez—who was said to be awake—needed to be hospitalized for additional examinations.
A second incident occurred right after the restart, as Zarco became involved in a tangle withFrancesco BagnaiaDucati’s rider was involved in a terrifying three-rider crash at Turn 1. Zarco is still in the hospital for scans on his left leg.
Acosta, who had dominated much of the race during the turmoil, wondered if it was suitable to restart the grand prix for a third time following two incidents in rapid succession.
“’There’s not much to report about today’s race. The key point is that we know Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco are fine, along with everyone else who crashed. Once again, we had a Sunday that could have turned out very badly,’ he said to Spanish broadcaster DAZN.”
It’s not a very enjoyable experience. When events like today’s take place, it’s truly unfortunate that we pretend nothing occurred and continue as usual.
Even though MotoGP riders have some experience with these situations. I understand we need to go out after a red flag, but after the second one… I don’t really think we should race again following two red flags.
If two unpleasant incidents have already occurred in the same race, I don’t believe there’s much reason to continue. I feel that people’s well-being should take precedence over the event.
Acosta was involved in a close battle with Marquez for the race lead, with Trackhouse’sRaul Fernandezalso present, when his bicycle failed him on lap 12 of 24.
Several other riders were also struck by flying debris, with the eventual race winnerFabio di Giannantoniosliding down at Turn 10 following contact with a wayward wheel.
Describing the incident, Acosta stated, “It appeared to be an electronic malfunction; it was as if the bike suddenly shut down, and everything ceased to function. The throttle stopped working, and it caught me right when I was settling into the fairing.”
The loss of power propelled me forward, and in trying to pull my hand out and all that, riding so closely, well, the worst possible thing occurred.
Following the loss of the lead with three laps remaining, di Giannantonio also fell behind.Joan Mir and Fermin Aldeguer into fourth.
However, his race concluded at the final turn following a Trackhouse riderAi OguraStruck him in the last corner – an event that resulted in the Japanese competitor receiving a three-second time penalty.
Acosta accepted Ogura’s apology, stating, “That’s just part of racing. We’ve all been in that situation – going one lap too far. He came over, apologized, and waited a long time for me to exit the pits. I respect him for demonstrating some humility.”
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