Marco Bezzecchi
Alex Marquez delivered a good showing of damage limitation at the British Grand Prix, despite originally retiring from the race on lap one.
The Spaniard claimed the lead before turn one at Silverstone, before being caught out by cold tyres, as he crashed and sent his Gresini bike flying into the barriers.
Marquez was far more cautious at the second start and, despite taking the lead again momentarily, dropped down the pack and settled for fifth in the end.
There was some confusion about the MotoGP rules before the second start, with some debating over whether he should have been allowed to run again.
MotoGP fans were in disbelief after Marquez’s crash and also could not believe that he was allowed to rejoin the race from his original starting spot.
Technically speaking, he was already a lap down when a red flag was produced, but because it was before three laps, he was allowed to start second again. Marquez has been inspiring at Gresini, and today’s extra points were a big bonus to his hopes of a maiden title.
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Alex Marquez furious with MotoGP bosses after ‘extremely dangerous’ British Grand Prix crash
Marquez’s crash was one which happened at high speed, and offered him absolutely no chance whatsoever to save his bike.
It was an immediate retirement from the race, and a massive dent to his title chances. Just one lap later his brother crashed from the lead, showing that the Ducati struggles in colder temperatures.
Speaking to Speedweek after the race, Alex shared why he felt let down about the safety standards of turn one, after nearly suffering a far more painful accident.
“I have to be critical of the safety today,” he said. “There was no gravel where I crashed. It was similar to what happened to Tatay in Portimao. I came very close to the wall.
“My bike slid into the barrier. I missed maybe 15 meters. I’m not saying the asphalt run-off area is too big. There’s gravel in the front part. But that’s not where we crash. It’s extremely dangerous!”
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How Alex Marquez is starting to exploit Marc Marquez’s weaknesses
Alex is starting to punish Marc’s weaknesses and the more of them that he discovers, the better position he will be in at the end of the championship.
His older brother has won six titles and fought for many more. He couldn’t be much more experienced in this situation if he tried.
The Marquez duo have a better relationship now that they are pushing each other at the top of the grid and fighting for a title.
It’s rare to see a bond grow stronger in this situation, but it appears that they are truly enjoying their spell at the top of the grid.
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