In the hunt for his anniversary victory, MotoGP world champion Marc Márquez took off violently in front of his home crowd in Jerez.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, the superstar landed in the gravel trap early on and, like last year, his younger brother Àlex (both Ducati) took victory. Marc Márquez could have celebrated his 100th Grand Prix victory, but after his sprint triumph the day before, he came away empty-handed again in the main race and slipped to fifth place in the World Championship standings.
“We have a good feeling, a good flow. Thanks to the team,” said Àlex Márquez. For leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia), who had celebrated five Grand Prix victories in a row before Jerez, a record run ended after 121 consecutive leading laps.
The Italian came second in the fourth race of the season on Sunday, third place went to his compatriot Fabio Di Giannantonio (Ducati). The Ducati factory team with Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia (Italy), which has dominated the premier class in recent years, remained without a podium finish for the ninth time in a row.
In the first European race of the year, pole sitter Marc Márquez maintained his lead at the start, then, as in the sprint, his brother passed. A little later, the defending champion lost the front wheel in turn 11 and destroyed his machine. At first glance, the 33-year-old was spared any injuries.
Three days after his 30th birthday, Àlex Márquez dominated at the front and secured Ducati’s first win of the season. For the fourth time, the racer from the Gresini customer team was at the top of a MotoGP Grand Prix.
Bezzechhi now leads the World Cup with 101 points ahead of his teammate Jorge Martín (Spain/90) and Di Giannantonio (71). We continue in Le Mans/France in two weeks.
