The MotoGP world has received shocking news: the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has suspended Marc Marquez from the next Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held in Jerez, due to actions deemed illegal during the recent Qatar Grand Prix. The decision, which has shocked the paddock and fans, comes after a careful analysis of what happened at Lsail, where Márquez was the protagonist of a triumphant but controversial weekend, capped with a victory that is now under review. The dismissal casts a shadow over the 2025 season of the Spanish driver, leader of the championship, and reignites the debate over his on-track conduct.
According to the official FIM statement, the dismissal is linked to two controversial accidents that occurred in Qatar. The first concerns the collision on the first lap with his brother Álex Márqez, who damaged his Ducati but also prevented Marc from winning the race. Márqez admitted responsibility, calling the accident “my fault”, but the FIM ruled that his behaviour violated safety rules, putting another rider at risk. The second, more serious, accident involved a subsequent manoeuvre in which Márquez made an aggressive overtaking move on Fabio di Giacinto, forcing the Italian rider to leave the track. The FIM deemed this action to be extremely dangerous and deserving of exemplary punishment.
The decision to exclude Márquez from the Jerez race, one of the most prestigious on the calendar, has generated mixed reactions. On the one hand, the Spanish rider’s critics, including prominent figures such as Valentino Rossi, have argued that the disqualification is fair, highlighting his riding style, which often circumvents the rules. Rossi, who recently called Márquez a “traitor” for other contractual issues, commented on this: “The rules are rules and Márquez must learn to respect them”. On the other hand, Márquez’s supporters, who see him as a general talent, consider the punishment excessive, especially considering that the rider had already received a race penalty for the fatal accident against Giacinto-Ferrero. Uп faп wrote: “It’s absurd to think Marc is competitive, MotoGP needs riders like him”.
The impact of the disqualification is significant, both for Márqυez and for the championship. With 123 points and a 17-point lead over Alex Márqυez after Qatar, Marc seemed destined to dominate the 2025 season. His presence in Jerez could close the gap on his rivals, in particular Francesco Bagaia, who finished third in Qatar in a difficult qualification. Furthermore, the FIM’s decision comes at a delicate time for Márquez, already at the center of controversy for his advertising contract with Hoda while he rides for Ducati. This episode risks further fueling tensions with the Italian team, which expects maximum dedication from him.
Márquez, who has yet to issue an official statement regarding the dismissal, is known for having been at the centre of controversies related to his style of playing. In 2015, his defeat against Rossi in Malaysia marked a turning point in their rivalry and in 2023 his penalty for a crash in Portugal was awarded only after a long appeal. The above leads one to believe that Márquez could challenge the FIM’s decision, although the chances of him doing so seem remote. However, his ability to turn adversity into motivation is impressive and many expect him to return more determined than ever for the upcoming races.
The review raises wider questions about the direction MotoGP is taking. The FIM appears determined to tighten enforcement at a time when on-track battles have become increasingly aggressive. However, peddling a rider of Márquez’s calibre risks dividing public opinion and fuelling debate over the extent to which racing should be regulated. As the MotoGP circus gears up for Jerez, all eyes will be on how Márquez handles this setback and how his rivals will exploit his presence. One thing is certain: the 2025 season is already shaping up to be one of the most spectacular in recent motorcycling history.