Zarco to Race on Grid 14 Following Qualifying Error

MotoGP Events experienced at Misano at the end of the race week affected French rider Johann Zarco's grid position. The events during qualifying and the penalty he received resulted in Zarco starting the Sunday race from Grid 14.

Events During Qualifying

French rider Johann Zarco secured fifth place in the first practice session on Friday. Zarco was disappointed as he could not get into the top ten positions during qualifying practice. Following this, he had to receive a grid penalty necessary for the race. Zarco admitted that this was a mistake. Zarco stated that the situation was justified, saying, "While a second starting position is possible, I was wrong to miss it. I affirm that the penalty was justified."

Implications for the Race Week

Zarco starting from Grid 14 was a significant change for the Sunday race. Zarco is now preparing for the race. Meanwhile, in the Sprint race, popular rider Luca Marini started from second place. Marini stated that he made good laps to overtake the rider who is a two-time Moto2 World Champion, but they were not sufficient. He indicated that these difficulties were related to tyre choice. Zarco, acknowledging that tyre choice is a factor during the race, commented, "Like a boxer. If you are fighting, you have to take the hit. Even if you don't want to, it is necessary. And even if you don't score points, there were good results."

Figures

• Johann Zarco is competing in 15th place with 1 point in the 2026 MOTOGP season (Team LCR).
• Archive: Bezzecchi struggled in the first 3 laps, then accelerated (September 13, 2026)