The Austrian MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring saw an early collision between Gresini Racing teammates Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, which resulted in Marquez crashing out and Aldeguer finishing eighth. The incident occurred in the opening corners of the race, adding a dramatic twist to an already challenging weekend for Ducati.
Alex Marquez, who was running outside the top 10, was attempting to recover positions when he made contact with Fermin Aldeguer. The clash sent Marquez into the gravel and out of the race, while Aldeguer continued to salvage a points finish. The incident was not severe, but it highlighted the aggressive nature of the first-lap battles in MotoGP.
Reflecting on the incident, Aldeguer said: “Just the first lap, trying to recover position. For sure, Diggia [Fabio Di Giannantonio] tried to overtake Quartararo, they go a little bit straight. I was in one part and I tried to overtake also Alex, and I arrived to Quartararo with a lot of speed. I put the bike a little bit straight and we made a little contact, not super-big. For sure, he lost more position than me. I remained there, but nothing. I think in another case, we saw other overtakes [that were] more in the limit.”
Marquez shared a similar view, acknowledging the contact but downplaying its severity. “I mean, there was a lot of people there in front. He overtook me, but then Fabio [Quartararo] was there. We had a contact, and then I was nearly on the gravel, but nothing more. I mean, it was like it is, and that's it. It's a shame that happened between team-mates, but first lap, always everybody wants to recover.”
The incident comes as both riders prepare for their final races together at Gresini. Marquez will move to the factory KTM team next season, while Aldeguer will stay with Ducati but switch to the VR46 Racing Team. Their partnership, which has shown flashes of promise, will end after this year, making incidents like this a reminder of the fine margins in MotoGP.
From a technical standpoint, the collision was a result of the tight pack racing at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit known for its long straights and heavy braking zones. Aldeguer, who has impressed in his rookie season, must balance aggression with caution, especially when battling teammates. Marquez, on the other hand, continues to search for consistency as he eyes his KTM move.
Despite the disappointment, neither rider blamed the other. They understand that such incidents are part of racing. For Gresini, the focus now shifts to the remaining races, where they aim to maximize their performance and end the season on a high note.
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