MotoGP: 'Huge' crash for Marc Marquez could allow 'aggressive' Francesco Bagnaia to challenge at Grand Prix Netherlands, claims Sylvain Guintoli

The two biggest stories of the season in MotoGP have been Marc Marquez's dominance and his Ducati Lenovo team-mate Francesco Bagnaia's struggles. On Friday, Marquez suffered two hefty crashes in practice sessions, and Sylvain Guintoli told TNT Sports that could give Bagnaia the chance to challenge at Grand Prix Netherlands this weekend.

'That looked awful' - Fears for Marquez as championship leader crashes at Grand Prix Netherlands

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sylvain Guintoli said Marc Marquez looked "second hand" after his crash at Grand Prix Netherlands on Friday, tipping team-mate Francesco Bagnaia to challenge.

Championship leader Marquez suffered notably in the morning session when he looked in severe pain after taking a tumble.

Shortly after his spill, he appeared to be examining his left hand and arm, with his shoulder also seemingly in pain.

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With the Spaniard’s history of injury, there was no shortage of concern, but he was able to take part in the afternoon’s run-out.

There, too, he suffered a crash, and he appeared to be winded, though there were no indications that he would be unable to compete in the rest of the weekend’s action.

Ai Ogura was perhaps the most spectacular victim of the troubles experienced by many of the riders on Friday, as he crashed out and saw his Aprilia burst into flames. Thankfully for the rookie, he appeared largely unhurt.

'There have been warnings' - Marquez suffers 'second big crash of the day' in practice

Video credit: TNT Sports

Speaking to TNT Sports, Guintoli said that Marquez appeared to be struggling after the first crash.

He said: "Yeah, a huge one. Huge impact on his elbow, and he looked really second hand.

"This afternoon, another big impact. So for Marc Marquez, two big crashes on left-handers at high speed."

Suzi Perry remarked that there had been six crashes in as many minutes, and Guintoli attributed the problems to the medium tyres not offering enough grip in the conditions in the second session.

"The issue was everyone opted to try the medium front, and it happened to be a little too hard for the track temperature and track condition," he answered. "So riders couldn’t get a feel for it, and a lot of them crashed very early on."

Guintoli noted the unusual nature of Ogura’s crash, adding: "A couple of high-sides [a sudden rotation of the bike] as well.

"Here it’s a track with really long corners. You do get quite a lot of rear-wheel spin, and it’s also possible to high-side.

"We don’t normally see too many high-sides, but this is what happened with Ogura and [Aprilia rider Lorenzo] Savadori, as well.

"A big one for Ogura. He was very, very lucky to escape that without big injuries."

WATCH: Bike ON FIRE after ‘massive’ crash as Aprilia's Ogura walks away

Video credit: TNT Sports

‘We expect the same’ - Guintoli tips Bagnaia to challenge

Marquez’s Ducati team-mate Bagnaia has struggled this season, but was a little better at the previous race in Italy.

Guintoli said he wanted to see more of the combative style in the Netherlands, believing he had a chance at success, with the remaining weekend action to be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

He continued: "We were saying it at Mugello as well. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but he did put up a fight.

"He was very aggressive at the start of the Grand Prix. Here we expect the same. They’re still working on the front-end feel, so hopefully they can make it happen."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

‘The surface is too cold’ - Tardozzi comments on spate of crashes

The changing weather in the Netherlands led Ducati Lenovo team principal Davide Tardozzi to explain what was so difficult about the conditions, but was confident Marquez would be fit to continue racing.

He said of Marquez: "He's a bit injured on that left arm, but champions don't feel pain. He's okay, he's okay.

"Today, this morning and also now, the surface is too cold. Sometimes the tyre needs time to get hot. That's why we had so many crashes."

Stream every race of the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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Thoughts?