Marc Márquez: "Alex had the best rhythm"

Once again, it was the Ducati bearing the number 93 that rose to the top of the standings after a sprint race in MotoGPHowever, it was not Marc Márquez but his brother Álex who had the race in hand for the majority of the twelve laps completed this Saturday afternoon at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Montmeló.

Four laps before seeing the checkered flag as the winner, the younger brother crashed in turn 10, handing victory to his brother. The eight-time world champion was delighted for himself and for Ducati, who won another world constructors' title, but understandably disappointed for his brother, who had driven a perfect race.

“I'm happy with my victory, of course, for my team and also for Ducati because we won the constructors' title. Unfortunately, Alex crashed. I had already given up because he was faster than me. Maybe when it happened he relaxed a little too much, and that's why he crashed at Turn 10. He will have another chance to win tomorrow, because he has the best pace.”

Undefeated since Marco Bezzecchi's (Aprilia) victory at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Marc Márquez almost lost on Saturday. While his bike is still one of the fastest on the grid, the Catalan acknowledged that his home track isn't the one he's most comfortable on.

"I'm happy to have won on a circuit where we're struggling, we're really at our limit. You can see in particular that my left elbow was used well during the race (to save myself from falls. Editor's note), there were some tough moments! But the most important thing is that we're on the top step of the podium."

It remains to be seen whether Marc Márquez can repeat his feat at Sunday's Grand Prix and head to Misano with a chance of winning another world title.

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