Marc Marquez warned that the gravel traps at TT Circuit Assen must be re‑examined after a string of frightening incidents during the 2026 MotoGP Dutch Grand Prix.
On‑Track Accidents Spark Safety Review
In a weekend that delivered one of the season’s most exciting battles, riders were taken out by severe crashes. Fermin Aldeguer suffered a vertebral fracture in practice, ruling him out for the rest of the summer, while Marco Bezzecchi was rushed to hospital following a high‑speed tumble on lap two.
Both riders spun into the gravel, rolled repeatedly, and hit the ground several times before stopping near the pit lane barrier.
High‑Speed Excursions in the Gravel Zone
Marc Marquez, whose own minor collision at Turn 16 in FP1 left him cautious, stressed that riders “get launched into the air” when entering the gravel at top speed.
He cited Aldeguer’s fall as a “normal crash,” but noted that the impact on the gravel caused a violent bounce that damaged his spine.
Riders Demand Larger Run‑Off Areas
Honda’s Luca Marini argued that Turn 15’s run‑off area is insufficient, as the corner speed now demands more room. He said the gravel there “spun riders on so much that they start to roll.”
Marini also highlighted problems at Turn 7 and Turn 12, where the placement of the wall and gravel spacing compromise safety.
Additional Incidents Highlight Design Flaws
April scooter technician Maverick Vinales was surprised that Sotagni’s T-rotate? (missing) But Gresini’s Jorge Martin, who avoided serious injury during a practice crash at Turn 12, pointed out that a green runoff would have limited the rolling that occurred on gravel.
Martin’s observation underscored the potential for “backflips” if gravel is too deep or poorly positioned.
Joint Calls for Infrastructure Improvements
All riders agreed a comprehensive talk with the safety commission is needed. They demanded that the run‑off at key high‑speed corners be enlarged and that gravel be replaced with grass in areas where riders consistently hit the surface at dangerous velocities.
In the wake of the Dutch GP, the MotoGP calendar now faces moves to refine Assen’s safety layout before the next international round.
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