Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia has been praised by a marshal for displaying ‘exemplary’ behaviour after Johann Zarco’s crash at the Catalan Grand Prix.
On Sunday, the 2026 MotoGP campaign continued with a chaotic Catalan Grand Prix around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio took victory ahead of Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer and Ducati rider Bagnaia.
However, the race was marred by two huge accidents, with Alex Marquez crashing on Lap 12 after a collision with Pedro Acosta.
After the race was restarted following a lengthy red flag stoppage, Zarco collided with Luca Marini before going straight into Bagnaia’s bike, leaving his left leg lodged between the swingarm and the seat unit.
Bagnaia was able to continue and ended up scoring his first Grand Prix podium of the season.
Amidst the red flags, some amazing performances at the Catalan Grand Prix. But which rider stood out the most to you?
Francesco Bagnaia praised by marshal for ‘exemplary’ behaviour after Johann Zarco’s crash
Bagnaia has now been praised by a marshal who was working at the Grand Prix and was dealing with the aftermath of Zarco’s horrendous accident.
Taking to social media, the marshal highlighted Bagnaia and Marini’s ‘exemplary’ behaviour.
The marshal wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I really want to commend the EXEMPLARY behaviour of Pecco & Marini towards Zarco, but ESPECIALLY towards the marshals and medical staff after that impressive crash.
“Getting help from the riders we’re there to help, to ease our burden, is wonderful.”
Was it right to restart the Catalan GP after two big accidents?
READ MORE: Johann Zarco reveals why he should have pulled out of Catalan GP moments before ‘terrifying’ crash
Francesco Bagnaia admits Johann Zarco’s crash was a ‘hard blow’
Unsurprisingly, the Catalan Grand Prix was overshadowed by the incidents involving Marquez and Zarco, with Bagnaia explaining that it was tough to witness.
Speaking about the Zarco incident, Bagnaia stated that the Frenchman did nothing wrong and hinted at whether his bike was at fault.
As per Quotidiano Sportivo, Bagnaia said: “At the second restart, I expected everyone to be more cautious, and reviewing the video, I think Zarco didn’t do anything wrong. I think there was something strange with his bike.
“He started braking earlier, but he wasn’t able to stop it, and the impact was very strong. When I saw his leg caught, it was a hard blow for me.”
The 2026 MotoGP season will continue next weekend, with the Italian Grand Prix taking place around the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello.
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