Craziest MotoGP moments from the Jerez Grand Prix
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
13:30, 21 Apr
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Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is a MotoGP reporter for GPBlog. A former karate black belt and two-time national champion by age 17, his early passion for combat sports evolved into a deep interest in UFC and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus.
The Jerez circuit is one of the most iconic and historic in all the MotoGP calendar, hosting premier class motorcycles - and plenty of drama - since 1986.
Over decades, the track has decided titles, altered careers and always delivered on a dramatic spectacle. With a famously wild Spanish crowd spilling over its trackside hills and even onto the track itself at times, Jerez prepares to welcome MotoGP once again to the capital of sherry wine and Flamenco dancing.
In the lead up to this weekend's action, we are taking a look back at some the craziest and most iconic MotoGP moments to ever take place at Jerez:
Fans Storm The Track As Criville Crashes Out (1996)
Coming into the 1996 season as the defending world champion, Mick Doohan went to war with his HRC Honda teammate Alex Criville, with Jerez providing a highlight which would make history.
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After the pair had an extraordinary moment weaving between fans who had stormed the track, seemingly thinking Criville had already won, Doohan closed in and went for a last-gasp move. Coming into the final corner on the final lap of the race, Doohan dived to the inside and made a pass with very slight contact.
Criville, desperate not to be beaten, threw the throttle open and high-sided out of the final bend, scoring zero points and ending his race just meters from the finish line.
Rossi Takes Out Gibernau At The Last Corner (2005)
In what would arguably become the most controversial overtake of his Grand Prix career, Valentino Rossi passed Sete Gibernau at the final corner, once again on the last lap, and pushed him into the gravel, effectively ruining his race and stealing a victory from the deserving home hero.
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The epic battle, which waged on throughout the race, culminated in four changes of the lead in just the last half-lap alone. With both riders pushing to the absolute limit, it would take something slightly 'over the edge' to decide this one.
That's precisely what Rossi did with one the dirtier moves in his career, and shockingly enough there were no post-race repercussions for the move either.
Marquez's Heroics End In Disaster (2020)
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The 2020 Jerez GP was certainly one of the most memorable in recent memory, largely due to the career-altering injury sustained by Marc Marquez after his heroic comeback through the field.
Following an early mistake and a heroic save in which Marquez had to put his motocross skills to the test, the Spaniard then rallied sensationally from P18 back up to P3. Sadly, he pushed the Repsol Honda over the limit and suffered a huge crash at Turn 3, then being hit by the bike and causing a shoulder injury which would stay with him to this day.
Sadly, the injury somewhat overshadowed the winner of the race - a certain young Frenchman by the name of Fabio Quartararo, who secured his first victory in the premier class that same afternoon.
"Damp Patch, Damp Patch, Damp Patch - Unbelievable!" (2024)
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In one of the most chaotic sprint races since the format began, the 2024 Jerez sprint took place in mixed conditions with several huge damp patches at different corners on the circuit.
An incredible test of precision and endurance followed, with no less than 12 riders crashing out. Pecco Bagnaia, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini and Marc Marquez were all among the victims as Jorge Martin took a crucial victory which helped him massively on his way to winning the World Championship.
Alex Marquez Wins His First Premier Class Race (2025)
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Last year's race was memorable but for altogether different reasons as Alex Marquez stepped out from his brother's shadow and claimed the first premier class win of his MotoGP career.
While Marc once again fell victim to Turn 3, Alex pressed on after an early mistake of his own to make a beautiful dive-bomb pass on pole-sitter Fabio Quartararo.
He went on to control a convincing victory before celebrating wildly with the Jerez crowd.
MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix of Jerez Full Schedule: Sessions, start times, where to watch
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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
The first European round of the 2026 season is set to take place at the iconic Circuito de Jerez in Andalusia this weekend in what promises to be a crucial battle in the MotoGP World Championship. Find out where to watch, as well as the full weekend schedule here.
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Overview
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
04:30 PM
Sprint Qualification
08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
04:00 PM
Qualification
08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
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Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:30 PM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
Sat 04:00 PM
Qualification
Sat 08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
Race
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