News Summary
- Davide Brivio blamed aggressive riding by Marc Márquez and Jorge Martín for contributing to the first-corner incident at Mandalika.
- Raúl Fernández and Marco Bezzecchi both retired, despite starting the sprint from the front row.
- Brivio’s assessment differs from Fernández’s account, which placed responsibility on Bezzecchi.
Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio has criticised Marc Márquez and Jorge Martín for their aggressive approach to the first corner of the Indonesian MotoGP sprint, arguing that their attempts to gain positions contributed to the collision that eliminated Raúl Fernández and Marco Bezzecchi.
The two Aprilia riders started Saturday’s 13-lap race from the front row after dominating qualifying at Mandalika. However, both crashed at Turn 1 during a four-rider battle that also involved Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Fernández, who had secured his first MotoGP pole position, subsequently accused Bezzecchi of unprofessional riding. Brivio offered a different interpretation, suggesting that the actions of the riders fighting their way through the field had contributed to the accident.
Brivio points to aggressive first-corner moves
Speaking to the MotoGP world feed immediately after the incident, Brivio questioned how the opening-corner battle had developed.
“It’s difficult. I mean, from the first images, it looks like Jorge and Marc were extremely aggressive at the first corner,” Brivio said. “They wanted to gain as many positions as possible.”
“And I think that was the result, coming aggressively on everyone else.”
Asked whether the riders had been too aggressive, the Trackhouse boss replied:
“I think, for the first corner, yes, but I’m not surprised.”
The incident developed as Di Giannantonio approached Turn 1 on the inside, with Márquez immediately alongside him. Bezzecchi and Fernández were positioned further towards the outside of the corner.
As the riders adjusted their lines, Di Giannantonio ran slightly wide, prompting Márquez to lift his Ducati. Bezzecchi also had to change his trajectory, and Fernández subsequently made contact with the factory Aprilia rider.
Both Fernández and Bezzecchi crashed out before completing the opening lap, while Márquez continued and Martín emerged in the lead.
Fernández and Bezzecchi disagree over responsibility
The accident generated conflicting explanations among the riders involved.
Fernández was particularly frustrated after losing an opportunity to challenge for his first MotoGP sprint victory, having established himself as one of the fastest riders throughout the weekend.
The Spaniard described Bezzecchi’s riding as unprofessional and subsequently confirmed that he had suffered a fractured finger in the accident.
GRANDE PRÊMIO reported Fernández’s criticism and injury concerns, with the Trackhouse rider receiving medical clearance to attempt Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Bezzecchi disputed Fernández’s interpretation, maintaining that the contact resulted from the crowded approach to the corner.
Brivio’s comments introduced another perspective by focusing on the wider sequence of movements involving the four riders rather than attributing the incident exclusively to the two Aprilias.
No investigation into the incident had been announced by the FIM MotoGP stewards at the time of Brivio’s comments.
Aprilia loses front-row advantage as Márquez takes title lead
The collision had significant consequences for both the sprint result and the championship.
Aprilia had entered Saturday with Fernández on pole and Bezzecchi second, while Martín was also among the strongest contenders for victory.
With two Aprilias eliminated, Martín moved into the lead and initially appeared capable of extending his narrow championship advantage.
However, the Spaniard later encountered a front tyre-pressure problem that forced him to allow Márquez through. A subsequent mistake dropped Martín to fourth, while Márquez secured victory ahead of Ai Ogura and Di Giannantonio.
The complete Indonesian sprint report details the first-corner incident and the late changes at the front.
Márquez now leads Martín by four points, 343 to 339, with Bezzecchi third on 284.
The victory also produced the seventh change of championship leader in 2026.
The complete Indonesian MotoGP schedule, including qualifying and broadcast information is available in GRANDE PRÊMIO‘s weekend guide. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides full coverage of the MotoGP championship.
