MotoGP race in Barcelona interrupted following collision between Marquez and Acosta

On May 17, 2026, the MotoGP race in Barcelona, the sixth round of the championship, was suspended with a red flag during the 12th lap. A collision occurred between riders Alex Marquez and Pedro Acosta while they were competing for the lead. According to reports, Acosta experienced a mechanical issue, causing him to slow down unexpectedly, which led to a collision with Marquez. The impact resulted in significant damage to Marquez's motorcycle, with debris scattering across the track. This debris caused two additional riders to crash in the following moments. Race officials immediately displayed the red flag to halt the proceedings. Alex Marquez was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Official communications indicate that the rider remained conscious during the transfer to the medical facility.