Marc Marquez wins Qatar Grand Prix sprint after collision with Bezzecchi
The reigning MotoGP champion secured the victory following a controversial incident on the fourth lap of the race.
Marc Marquez won the Qatar Grand Prix sprint after a collision with Marco Bezzecchi, according to The Race. The incident occurred on the fourth lap following a red-flag restart when Marquez and the Aprilia rider came together at a corner apex.
The collision happened as Marquez returned to the racing line after taking a wider line, causing Bezzecchi to slide out. While stewards investigated the incident, they took no further action, a decision that appeared to cause discontent for Aprilia racing boss Massimo Rivola.
The race had previously been neutralised due to a crash involving Fermin Aldeguer and Pecco Bagnaia. Bagnaia was taken to the medical centre and did not participate in the restart after being struck from behind by Aldeguer.
Fabio Di Giannantonio finished second, followed by Jorge Martin in third. Raul Fernandez secured fourth place after overcoming an issue with his ride height device at the start of the race.
Marquez currently leads the standings by 49 points over Martin, while Bezzecchi trails by 30 points. A win by Marquez on Sunday alongside a non-score for Martin would secure the title for the champion.