So many penalties, in places, over a single weekend in MotoGP, this is not common. But obviously, in Austin (Texas, USA), the commissioners don’t like long-laps. So these are sanctions on the starting grid, which were established by the officials in recent hours. To the point of leading to profound changes, in the top 10, on the said grid.
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Thus, Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini had already been punished, before the start of the sprint, by two places each. Strangely, Marc Marquez, although the author of an action more questionable than those of his two comrades, had not been worried. Then, during the short race and following his illicit charge on Fabio di Giannantonio, the 2026 MotoGP world champion was under investigation again.
After @37_pedroacosta‘s penalty, that means @Beast23 gets the bronze medal 👀#USGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kZbovCg7YP
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 28, 2026
Francesco Bagnaia therefore took advantage of this to move to 3rd and on the front row. A great opportunity for the Italian, given the pace shown the day before. For his part, Pedro Acosta climbs to second place, perhaps, to finally achieve that first success that he misses so much? On the French side, neither Johann Zarco nor Fabio Quartararo benefit from the arbitration decisions, due to their positions being too far down in the rankings, after qualifying.
« On Saturday, the sky was overcast, but despite the cool air, we witnessed numerous falls during today’s sprint, which highlights the difficulty of the racing conditions. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is always a tricky course for us, and this weekend was particularly difficult, as expected. Our drivers are further back on the starting grid than we would like, and our pace is not fast enough. However, Fabio, Álex and the whole team are doing everything they can to make the most of this complex situation.
We will carefully analyze today’s data in order to prepare for tomorrow’s 19-lap race, which will be demanding for the drivers due to the unique characteristics of this circuit. We will continue to work to optimize our performance as much as possible. » Massimo Meregalli, Director of TeamYamaha, analyzing his riders’ race, following the checkered flag of the short event in Austin.
But on the other hand, concerning the case of Marc Marquez, studied at the end of the sprint, it was resolved in a different way, as we explained to you right here. In other words, it is not a penalty in places but rather a long lap, which was inflicted on the official Ducati rider. That is to say, a sanction more to say, causing more time to be wasted on the track. This perhaps definitively removes him from the race for victory, he who will only start sixth in the event. A godsend, potentially, for Francesco Bagnaia, his teammate, who generally plays in his shadow.
But also, for the Aprilia Racing drivers and even Fabio di Giannantonio and Pedro Acosta, four drivers who should liven up the debates in Texas soon.
Here is the new starting grid for the USA Grand Prix, after application of the various penalties imposed by the panel of stewards.
MotoGP The updated starting grid in Austin
Front line:
Fabio Di Giannantonio (ITA/VR46)
Pedro Acosta (ESP/KTM)
Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati)
Second line:
Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Aprilia)
Joan Mir (ESP/Honda)
Marc Marquez (ESP/Ducati)
Third line:
Jorge Martín (ESP/Aprilia)
Alex Marquez (ESP/Gresini)
Fermín Aldeguer (ESP/Gresini)
Fourth line:
Ai Ogura (JPN/Trackhouse)
Luca Marini (ITA/Honda)
Enea Bastianini (ITA/Tech3)
Fifth line:
Raul Fernandez (ESP/Trackhouse)
Diogo Moreira (BRA/LCR)
Johann Zarco (FRA/LCR)
Sixth line:
Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha)
Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR/Pramac)
Brad Binder (RSA/KTM)
Seventh line:
Jack Miller (AUS/Pramac)
Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Ducati-VR46)
Alex Rins (ESP/Yamaha)
Article published on 03/29/2026 at 6:52 a.m.