MotoGP drama erupts between teammates during chaotic Friday in Austria
Diogo Moreira was at the centre of the Friday drama (Credit: Red Bull)
17:13, 18 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
A drama-filled Friday of MotoGP action in Austria could have consequences for two different teams.
One of the most dramatic practice days of the 2026 season so far saw Pedro Acosta lay down a huge marker in front of the home crowd for his KTM team.
The Spanish talent comfortably topped both sessions and looks well set to challenge for his first-ever MotoGP win.
Yet despite Acosta stealing the show, his competitors did their best to take the headlines.
Alex Marquez suffered a bizarre Turn 1 crash that got the session red-flagged, and then there was friendly fire further down the order.
Aprilia teammates get too close for comfort at Turn 4
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At the start of Free Practice, Aprilia duo Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin got far too close for comfort around the Red Bull Ring.
Heading into Turn 4, Martin closed in on the back of Bezzecchi and had to take a wide line to avoid any further drama.
However, the Italian ahead quickly realised how close the Spaniard was and looked back and appeared to point towards his eyes, seemingly telling Martin to pay attention.
Moreira passes crashed teammate under yellow flags
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Later, in Practice 1, there was further intra-team drama at LCR Honda that could prove far more costly.
Again at Turn 4, Johann Zarco crashed and left his bike in a heap in the gravel and began to walk to the side of the track.
However, teammate Diogo Moreira then flew past him at the same spot in scary scenes.
The track had already been yellow-flagged due to Zarco’s crash, and given the speed Moreira was going at, he could potentially face scrutiny from the stewards.
If that wasn't enough, there was then another wild moment in Friday running when Pol Espargaro's race suit airbag deployed on the straight.
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Heading into Turn 1, the safety gear triggered, giving the Tech3 substitute rider a slight wobble, but nothing too concerning as he took the corner with ease despite the strange moment.
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Overview
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
08:30 AM
Practice 2
12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
08:30 AM
Qualification
12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
11:00 AM
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
Thu 08:30 AM
Practice 2
Thu 12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
Fri 08:30 AM
Qualification
Fri 12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
Sat 11:00 AM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 292 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 211 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 191 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 186 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 167 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 145 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 120 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 71 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 59 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 41 |
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