El Mundo Deletes Distressing Crash Photo of MotoGP Rider Alex Marquez After Backlash
The Spanish publication El Mundo encountered criticism for sharing a photograph of unconscious MotoGP racer Alex Marquez on its website and X account during the Barcelona Grand Prix on May 17, 2026. Captured by a trackside photographer, the image depicted Marquez face-down following a high-speed crash with Johann Zarco, which led to the race being halted. Marquez sustained a fracture in his neck vertebra and a broken right collarbone. His team, Gresini Racing, condemned the newspaper's actions. Although El Mundo removed the tweet, the photo remained online with a note stating that Marquez was recovering. Journalist Simon Patterson supported the photographer, emphasizing that publication decisions rest with editors. From the hospital, Marquez confirmed his stability and mentioned undergoing surgery.
Key facts
- El Mundo published a photo of unconscious MotoGP rider Alex Marquez after a crash during the Barcelona Grand Prix on May 17, 2026.
- The photo showed Marquez face-down on the track after a high-speed collision with Johann Zarco.
- The race was interrupted with a red flag.
- Marquez suffered a neck vertebra fracture and a right collarbone fracture.
- Gresini Racing criticized El Mundo for publishing the image.
- El Mundo deleted the tweet but retained the photo on its website with an update that Marquez was okay.
- MotoGP journalist Simon Patterson said the photographer was not at fault; editors make the decision to publish.
- Marquez posted from a hospital bed wearing a neck brace, stating he was stable and had undergone surgery.
Entities
Artists
- Alex Marquez
- Johann Zarco
- Simon Patterson
Institutions
- El Mundo
- Gresini Racing
- MotoGP
- ESPN MotoGP
Locations
- Barcelona
- Spain