Alex Marquez wins drama-filled Spanish Grand Prix for Gresini Ducati
Alex Marquez secured back-to-back Spanish Grand Prix victories for the Gresini Ducati team in a drama-filled race at Jerez, writes MAURICE MONTGOMERY.
It was his brother Marc (Lenovo Ducati), the Sprint race winner, who made the holeshot from pole position, leading the pack into Turn 1.
Marc Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), winner of the past five Grands Prix, held second, with Alex Marquez third and Jorge Martin fourth.
The Marquez brothers held first and second as the field swept onto the second lap, but that changed. Marc was shadowing his younger brother when his race ended at Turn 11, as the reigning World Champion lost the front and crashed out.
Alex went on to claim a popular victory by 1.903 seconds in front of thousands of delighted Spanish race fans, ending Bezzecchi’s run of five consecutive wins. Bezzecchi stretched his lead in the championship to 11 points over his teammate, Martin.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46) made it two Ducatis on the podium, while Martin, Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez kept Aprilia’s strong season going with four of the RS-GPs in the top six.
Race winner Marquez said: “There are not many words to describe my feelings at the moment. We have struggled a lot at the beginning of this year.
"We have worked hard during the break. We arrived here one hundred per cent motivated, and today, for me, was clear. Go from the first lap, pushing, trying to take the lead, and from that moment improve my rhythm to the end. A big thanks to all the Spanish fans. They are amazing.”
Bezzecchi added: “Today was super important to make a good race after yesterday but Alex was too fast for me today. I made my best and gave my all.”
Australian rider Senna Agius secured back-to-back victories in the Moto2 class with Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP, with championship leader Manuel Gonzalez second. Pole-sitter Collin Veijer of Red Bull KTM Ajo was third.
In the Moto3 class, Max Quiles capped off a flawless weekend with a decisive victory for CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team. Quiles crossed the line 1.991 seconds clear of the chasing pack where Adrian Fernandez of Leopard Racing narrowly edged out David Munoz, with teammate Marco Morelli fourth.
Irish rider Casey O’Gorman finished 12th for SIC58 Squadra Corse.