Francesco Bagnaia loses to Marc Márquez: "You had to bet today."

After a difficult Friday that saw him relegated to the fourth row of the starting grid, Francesco Bagnaia took advantage of threatening skies to turn the tables and find a new lease of life in this Sprint. As the Andalusian sky began to unleash its first drops of rain, rattling the riders' nerves, Bagnaia chose the pivotal moment to dive into the pits. On lap nine, he switched his bike to a rain setup. A winning decision that allowed the Ducati rider to emerge in the lead, seizing control of a Sprint shrouded in uncertainty.

But just as Pecco Bagnaia seemed to have secured his victory, the threat of Marc Márquez struck. With three laps to go, a fired-up Márquez pounced on the number 63 Ducati and delivered an unstoppable blow. Marc was on another level in the wet today. " he admitted to the media present at the scene, including AUTOhebdoWith a commanding overtake, Márquez seized the lead, leaving Bagnaia to manage a final stretch made perilous by the intensity of the downpour. Hampered by nonexistent rear grip, Francesco Bagnaia had to settle for maintaining his position. When Marc overtook me, I tried to follow him but the rear was sliding a lot. So I decided that my position suited me. »

MARC MARQUEZ BACK LEADER 💥

Things got heated with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia 🫨#SpanishGP | #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/whJJKx47tY

— CANAL+ MotoGP™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) April 25, 2026

Despite missing out on victory at the end of the race, the Italian displayed a serene expression at the finish line. It took a few laps to understand the weather conditions. I figured what would be, would be. he whispered into the microphone of the official channel after the race. I tried to keep up with Marc, but it started raining heavily. It's a great result compared to yesterday. We had to bet today, and it paid off very well for us. »

This podium finish, his second consecutive in Sprint after his second place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, puts Bagnaia in a positive dynamic. However, the number 63 is worried. Because in dry conditions, his potential isn't there, suggesting a more challenging Grand Prix ahead. Before it started raining, I was stuck behind some drivers, with no potential. " he emphasizes to the media, including AUTOhebdo.

Interview by Luca Bartolomeo.

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