Fabio di Giannantonio wins Catalonia MotoGP after Alex Marquez crash
Fabio di Giannantonio won a chaotic Catalonia MotoGP in Barcelona that was red-flagged twice after severe crashes sent Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco to hospital.
The Italian Ducati rider secured victory at the third attempt, finishing ahead of Joan Mir and Fermin Aldeguer.
However, the premier class race was overshadowed by two major incidents that halted proceedings.
High-speed collision causes chaos
The first major accident occurred on lap 12 when race leader Pedro Acosta suddenly lost power on the straight.
The Spanish prospect desperately attempted to warn the pursuing pack, but the second-placed Marquez had no time to react.
He slammed into the rear of the stricken KTM machine, sending his own motorcycle hurtling towards the wall before cartwheeling violently through the air.
Gresini Racing confirmed the younger Marquez brother was conscious as he was transported from the circuit in an ambulance.
Second red flag and Zarco injury
Following the initial stoppage, the restarted race was immediately suspended again when Zarco crashed heavily.
The former Moto2 world champion became tangled in his bike and will undergo tests on his left leg.
Eventual race winner Di Giannantonio was actually struck by flying debris during the first incident but recovered to take the chequered flag.
Riders reflect on inherent dangers
Speaking after the race, the victorious rider admitted the paddock was shaken by the terrifying scenes.
“Today has not been an easy day for everybody. I really hope that Alex is fine.”
“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.”
The grid was already missing reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who was sidelined after fracturing his foot at the French Grand Prix last weekend.