Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) Sprint crash may have cost him on Saturday but it’ll have a knock-on effect to his Grand Prix Sunday, as he’s been handed a Long Lap Penalty for causing a crash. Starting sixth on the grid for Sunday’s 20-lapper, he’ll now have the added complication of serving the penalty before setting off after those ahead of him if he’s to have a chance of adding to his COTA win tally.

The crash in the Sprint came after Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) had dispatched of the fast-starting #93 at Turns 7 and 8. Eager to retaliate, Marquez bounced up the inside at Turn 12 but was in deep, folded the front end and left ‘Diggia’ nowhere to go. Both rejoined but the #49 retired whilst Marquez carried on, eventually taking P17.

After Sprint drama, more is in the offing on Sunday for the Grand Prix – a blockbuster in Austin awaits!