Alex Marquez Got Double Long-Lap Penalty After Motegi Crash
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 3, 2026
Marquez penalty
FIM stewards handed Alex Marquez a double long-lap penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi after they ruled he triggered a first-lap crash that swept up multiple riders. The decision came after Alex Marquez went down in a Turn 3 chain reaction on the opening lap of the sprint, a wreck that took Pedro Acosta and Fabio Di Giannantonio out of the race. Stewards called it a first-lap, multiple-rider dangerous situation and said the double long-lap penalty fit Marquez’s first offense of the season. He did not finish the sprint, but the sanction did not change his place on the grid for the grand prix, where he remained fifth despite the punishment.
FIM stewards also dealt with two more penalties after the race, both for track-limit violations on the final lap. Those decisions changed the finishing order. Diogo Moreira moved up to second and collected his best MotoGP result. Jorge Martin was classified third and Enea Bastianini fourth after the penalties were applied.
Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez won the Motegi sprint after taking the lead from Jorge Martin at Turn 1. The victory cut Martin’s championship lead to seven points before the grand prix.
Practice pace
Practice at Motegi showed the track improving as the session went on. Marc Marquez set the early standard in first practice with a 1:44.073 lap and finished 0.099 seconds ahead of Jorge Martin. The session opened in damp conditions, but the track improved after the sun came out and riders were able to use Motegi’s newly laid asphalt.
Alex Marquez then topped Friday practice with a 1:42.811 lap, placing himself ahead of Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez.
