Alex Marquez claims the first MotoGP victory of his career and regains the lead from his brother at the Rider World Championships.
Grecini Racing’s Alex Marquez claimed his first victory in the MotoGP race at the Spanish Grand Prix, crashing early in the race, taking the championship lead from his brother Mark, who finished 12th.
After seven second-place finishes in the sprints and races this season, Alex won the dream race in the home turf in front of over 100,000 fans on Sunday, begging the Spaniards to increase the volume even with some corners remaining on the final lap.
Fabio Cartalaro gave Yamaha his first podium since Indonesia’s Grand Prix in 2023, with Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia in third place.
Mark narrowed the crowd and accepted Alex in the winner’s circle as the two Spaniards became the first brother to win the MotoGP.
However, this day belonged to the Grecini Rider, who led his brothers at some point in the rankings after taking the checkered flag, which was thrown by Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz.
“The best birthday present – amazing. The first one at Jeres is amazing,” said Alex, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Wednesday.
“I can’t ask for more. That was a really smart race in every move.”
On the action-packed opening lap, Polesetter Quartararo got off to a perfect start from the line, leading the lead to turn 1 while Saturday’s sprint winner Mark dropped to fourth.
Alex attempts to pass the three riders in front of him by passing a needle between his bike, but he collapses too late while Mark and Bagnaia collide for position.
Mark Marquez crashes
With Mark running in third and aiming to overtake his teammates, the Spaniard crashed at turn 7 and reunited in 22nd with thousands of fans around the circuit moaning collectively.
Bagnaia didn’t have time to relax. Alex appeared behind him, keeping the Italian out of the way, moving second to put Quartararro in his vision.
The Yamaha riders tried their best to keep Alex at bay, but on lap 11 it turns out that the pace of the Ducati bike was too good as they overtook Cartararo to pull the roo out of the Marquez grandstand.
Once Alex became clear, he began to disappear into the distance as Bagnaia couldn’t keep up and struggled to overtake Cartalaro, who came in second place.
“Incredible. Being on the podium is very special, especially with a gap to keep Alex and Pecco in place. [Bagnaia] Quartarraro, 2021 MotoGP champion, said:
“It’s been a while, but I’m so happy to be back on Jerez’s podium.”
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