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Alex Marquez once again reconquers the fortress, that is the top of the championship standings, and does so at Jerez by scoring his own first GP victory in the premier class. The crash of his older brother "activated me in a really good way," he later admitted to reporters, "I knew with Marc on track, I still had a chance. But without him I was the strongest." And so, after getting the better of a combative Quartararo and an equally competitive Bagnaia, Alex Marquez took off the mantle of the eternal second" to take on the role of Marc's main rival in the championship.
It is the first time ever that two brothers have won a MotoGP race, a victory that for the younger Marquez also has the flavor of personal revenge, after difficult years often overshadowed by personal criticism because of his bond with his brother Marc. "I prefer to respond to these people on the track," was how the two-time world champion Spaniard, who at Le Mans will once again have to defend the lead in the battle between the two factory Ducatis, commented heatedly on the subject.
"I am really happy," Alex began , "If they had asked me where I wanted to win for the first time in MotoGP, I would have said Jerez. I also won my first race here in Moto2, but in MotoGP the level is different. To pass under the checkered flag was incredible, we have the best crowd in the world here, it was a fantastic day. At the start I already had a clear idea, I knew the opportunity could come today so I was very focused. When I saw Marc crash at turn 8 I said 'OK, today is your day' so I passed Pecco and Fabio. I knew with Marc on the track, I still had a chance, but without him I was the strongest. From that moment it was just a matter of staying focused on my own race, making those overtakes and dictating my pace. With seven laps to go I was losing my concentration, I had a lot on my mind, so I started pushing to build up a bit of a lead. At the end it was great to celebrate with the fans, they deserved it."
What importance does this win have for you compared to your two titles in Moto2 and Moto3?
"It has the same importance, but in a different way. In the end a title is the consecration of a whole year, a victory that of a single day. When I crossed the finish line I was hit by a wave of emotions. This is at the same level as my two Moto2 titles, it was super nice, maybe for them (indicates Pecco and Fabio, ed.) life was easier in MotoGP, I had some difficult years. In those moments remembering my family, my grandfather and expecially Marc who was always supporting me is always important."
What did you think when you saw Marc on the ground?
"When he lost the front I was saying inside my helmet 'nooo!', because he was trying to save it for a long time, and then he disappeared. Then in a moment, it was like a 'click', he activated me in a really good way. I couldn't lose the opportunity again like in Austin. So I was emotional for Marc for just 0.5 seconds! Then I just focused on my own race." Quartaro then corrected him in a nice way, "actually not even half a second."
Today it seemed like everything was easy for you, is the GP24 the best bike you've ever ridden?
"Definitely yes, the GP24 is the best bike I've ridden in my life, we know what we have, so we just need to focus and believe in our potential."
You were the protagonist of a dangerous moment, at turn 6 at the beginning of the race you went long crossing the lines of Marc and Pecco.
"Today everyone was trying to get to the front of the race because we knew how important it was to have free road and fresh air to keep the front under control. I braked really late, I was trying to attack Marc but I didn't have room to go wide in the middle of the corner because I had Pecco in front, so I decided to release the brakes and pass between them to avoid stupid mistakes, so I went wide. Luckily I didn't lose any positions after that maneuver."
In the warm up you followed Pecco for a few laps, was that part of your strategy for the race?
"We went out together and it was important to follow one of the factory Ducatis to understand its strengths and where I could have advantages. I knew Pecco would be competitive here in Jerez, and I noticed that although I was using a used medium, the traction I had was very good. We lost on Friday, and following Marc and Pecco is always a good idea to see what they do differently, because it's impossible to be better in every corner."
Just two years ago you risked being without a contract, today the tears of liberation in parc ferme.
"I remember in 2022, I was in Sachsenring, already halfway through the season and everyone had a contract. I had no contract, no interest. I just went to Gresini and said 'I want your bike. I don't care about other things. I just want your bike and to see my potential. Give me one year.' To be honest, on my first time out at Valencia with the Ducati I immediately understood its potential, it was a matter of time to come back. Last year was a little bit of a nightmare in some points, a year I learned a lot because I got used to riding a bike that was one step behind."
What do you say to those who thought you were only here because you are Marc's brother, now that you are the championship leader again?
"I have nothing to say about that, I think the best way to respond to criticism is on the track, and that's what I'm doing. It's an incredible moment, it's the best birthday present I could have received. To win here is an indescribable feeling, I'm still realizing what happened. I think winning here in Jerez in MotoGP is the dream of every Spanish rider and I just realized it. The team deserved it, we have done an incredible job since the beginning of the season, we will see what happens in Le Mans."
You said at the beginning of the season that fighting for victory against Marc will not change your relationship. Is that still the case?
"I think so, today he came to congratulate me in parc fermé. I know inside he was frustrated, but I know him and I know that as a brother he is as happy for me as I am for him."
PH@ Pier Luca Brunetti
