Marquez wins Qatar MotoGP sprint after collision with Bezzecchi
The Ducati rider moved closer to the 2026 title following a controversial incident during the race restart.
Marc Marquez won the Qatar Grand Prix sprint on Saturday following a collision with Marco Bezzecchi, according to The Race. The incident occurred on the fourth lap after a red-flag restart when Marquez and the Aprilia rider came together at a corner apex.
The stewards investigated the contact but took no further action. Aprilia racing boss Massimo Rivola appeared dissatisfied with the verdict during the broadcast.
The race was initially neutralised by a major crash involving Fermin Aldeguer and Pecco Bagnaia. Bagnaia was taken to the medical centre and did not participate in the restart.
Fabio Di Giannantonio finished second, followed by Jorge Martin in third. Marquez currently leads Martin by 49 points and Bezzecchi by 30 points.
Earlier, Marco Bezzecchi had secured pole position for the Grand Prix by setting a lap record of 1 minute 50.028 seconds, according to Sportstar. Bezzecchi finished 0.266 seconds ahead of Marquez in qualifying.
The grid for Sunday's race was reduced to 18 riders after Yamaha's factory and satellite Prima Pramac teams withdrew due to travel restrictions.