The MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix sprint in the tabloid format ended in chaos as track conditions caused numerous crashes. Over 60% of the grid, a total of 15 riders out of 25, crashed at some point during the 12-lap event. Some riders even had to pick up crashed bikes to continue racing. Despite heavy rain overnight and into the morning, the race was officially declared dry. However, there were still hard-to-see damp patches on the track that caused multiple crashes. The most significant crashes occurred at Turn 5 on the ninth lap, involving Enea Bastianini, Brad Binder, and Alex Marquez who were battling for the podium. The high number of crashes at Turn 13 and Turn 5 raised questions about the track conditions and why so many experienced riders were affected. MotoGP champion Joan Mir explained that there were two wet patches at Turn 5 that were difficult to see, leading to the crashes. Marc Marquez, who was in the lead before crashing at Turn 9, admitted that he didn’t realize the extent of the wet patches during the race. The dangerous conditions frustrated some riders, with Maverick Vinales suggesting that race direction should have red-flagged the race to check the conditions. Aleix Espargaro, Vinales’ teammate, questioned whether the race should have started at all due to the track conditions. Johann Zarco, despite his own crash, believed that it was the responsibility of the riders to avoid the wet patches. However, reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia’s crash was not attributed to the track conditions but rather contact with Brad Binder. Bagnaia considered it a racing incident and acknowledged the chaotic nature of sprint races with multiple contacts. Binder also saw it as a racing incident and was unaware of the crash until he reached the pits.
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