Alex Marquez penalized after triggering multi-rider Sprint crash

Alex Marquez has predictably been penalized by the MotoGP stewards after triggering a multi-rider collision on the opening lap of the Japanese GP Sprint.

The Gresini Ducati rider completely misjudged his braking into Motegi's Turn 3, wiping out Pedro Acosta and Fabio Di Giannantonio ahead of him. All three riders were forced to retire on the spot, with stewards promptly launching a post-race investigation.

The stewards reached a swift verdict, handing Marquez a double Long Lap penalty for Sunday's main race. The Spaniard will have to serve the sanction during the opening laps while the field remains tightly bunched, which will almost certainly cost him significant track position.