Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez has claimed his first MotoGP race victory at the Spanish Grand Prix to snatch the championship lead from his elder brother Marc, who crashed early in the race and finished 12th. After seven second-place finishes in sprints and races this season, Alex claimed a dream race win on home turf on Sunday in front of more than 100,000 fans with the Spaniard imploring them to increase the volume even when he had a few corners left on the final lap.
Fabio Quartararo finished second to give Yamaha their first podium since the 2023 Indonesian Grand Prix while Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia came in third. Marc squeezed his way through the crowd to embrace Alex in the winner’s circle as the two Spaniards became the first brothers to win in MotoGP. But the day belonged to the Gresini rider who leads his elder sibling by one point in the standings after taking the chequered flag, which was waved by Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz.
“The best birthday present – amazing. The first one in Jerez is something amazing,” said Alex, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Wednesday. “I cannot ask for more. It was a race where I was really clever in all the movements.”
An action-packed opening lap had polesitter Quartararo get a perfect start off the line to take the lead into turn one while Saturday’s sprint winner, Marc, fell behind to fourth place. Alex tried to overtake three riders in front of him early on by threading the needle between bikes, but he braked too late and fell behind while Marc and Bagnaia collided while jostling for position.
With Marc running in third and looking to overtake his teammate, the Spaniard then crashed at turn seven and rejoined in 22nd place with a damaged bike as thousands of fans around the circuit collectively groaned. Bagnaia did not have time to relax, however, as Alex came up behind him and elbowed the Italian out of the way to move up to second and put Quartararo in his sights.
The Yamaha rider tried his best to keep Alex at bay, but on lap 11, the pace of the Ducati bike proved far too superior as he overtook Quartararo to draw a roar from the Marquez grandstand. Once Alex was in the clear, he began to disappear into the distance as Bagnaia could not catch up and struggled to overtake Quartararo, who doggedly held onto second place.
“Incredible. To be on the podium is super special – especially with the gap to Alex and to keep Pecco [Bagnaia] behind in the race was so difficult,” said Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP champion. “It’s been long years but super happy to be back on the podium in Jerez.”
Alex Marquez’s victory at the Spanish Grand Prix not only marked his first win in MotoGP but also solidified his position at the top of the championship standings with 140 points. Marc Marquez follows closely behind with 139 points, while Francesco Bagnaia sits in third with 120 points. The excitement of the race was palpable, with fans cheering for the Marquez brothers, who have now made history by both winning in MotoGP.
The day started with high hopes for Marc, who had won Saturday’s sprint but found himself struggling right from the start. Quartararo’s flawless start put him in the lead, and the subsequent chaos among the competitors led to Marc’s unfortunate crash. His recovery to finish 12th was commendable, but the day belonged to his younger brother Alex.
This victory is a significant milestone for Alex, who had previously been close to winning but had settled for second place multiple times this season. The triumph at Jerez not only fulfills a personal dream but also elevates him into the spotlight, showcasing his potential as a top contender in the championship.
As the MotoGP season progresses, the rivalry between the two brothers is sure to intensify, especially with Alex now holding the championship lead. The next race in Le Mans promises to be an exciting showdown as both brothers will aim to outdo each other on the track.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming races, with hopes that the thrilling competition will continue. The emotional rollercoaster of the Spanish Grand Prix has set a high standard for the remainder of the season, and the MotoGP community is buzzing with excitement.
In conclusion, Alex Marquez’s victory at the Spanish Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment in his career and adds a new chapter to the Marquez legacy in MotoGP. With the championship lead now in his grasp, the younger Marquez is ready to take on the challenges ahead, proving that he is not just living in his brother’s shadow but carving out his own path in the world of motorcycle racing.
