Marco Bezzecchi
Dani Pedrosa has explained the biggest ‘difference’ between Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia after the former clinched second place in the riders’ standings ahead of the latter after the Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint race.
Marquez’s impressive performances atop Ducati’s GP24 in the 2025 MotoGP campaign saw him earn the title of being the best of the rest, behind the incredible dominance that his older brother, Marc Marquez, has displayed on the way to a seventh premier class title.
The fine results also earned Marquez a factory Ducati bike for the 2026 term, meaning he will be riding the exact same machinery as his brother as he looks to dethrone him in hopes of securing a maiden title for himself in MotoGP.
With the Marquez brothers’ place in the standings now cemented, it marks the first time in the history of the sport that two siblings have finished in a one-two formation at the end of a season.
Jorge Lorenzo previously drew attention to the unprecedented feat that even the Schumacher brothers were not able to accomplish in Formula 1.
READ MORE: Alex Marquez reveals what he ‘convinced’ himself about after Marco Bezzecchi battle in Australian GP
Dani Pedrosa believes Alex Marquez’s mental resilience made ‘the difference’ in the fight for P2 in the MotoGP standings
Despite taking the chequered flag behind Bagnaia in the Malaysian Grand Prix Sprint race, the second-place finish was enough for Marquez to claim the runners-up title for 2025.
Speaking as part of DAZN’s coverage of the race on Saturday, MotoGP legend Dani Pedrosa highlighted how tough it is to be able to finish within the top two riders in a season.
Having finished as a runner-up three times throughout his premier class career, the former factory Honda rider certainly knows from experience.
He said, via Motosan: “It’s not easy to be second in the world championship, and even less so when your direct rival is Marc Marquez. It’s easy to start well and then lose your way along the way.
“Maintaining that position throughout the year is complicated. He has the best bike, yes, but the mental aspect has made the difference. Others with the same bike haven’t achieved the results Alex has achieved.”
“He has always been very true to his style. He is a diesel; it takes him a while to get going in each category, but when he finds the right pace, he unleashes his potential.
“Since he got on the GP24, the connection has been perfect. He has been first or second all year, even leading the World Championship.”
READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia shares his one ‘hope’ after Ducati gave Alex Marquez a factory bike for 2026
Marc Marquez sent a heartfelt message to Alex Marquez after they clinched a one-two in the MotoGP riders’ standings
Marc stated that Alex was ‘essential’ to his training regime during the current campaign that saw him win his ninth world title in Grand Motorcycle racing.
With the Gresini rider offering the closest thing to a title contender to him, Marc revealed that the on-track battles tightened their relationship.
Both riders want the best for their sibling, with them both also knowing the hardships they have faced to be where they currently are.
After Marc’s initial congratulatory post on Instagram, the Ant of Cervera took to X (formerly Twitter) to send his brother another heartfelt message.
The seven-time MotoGP world champion wrote, “WORLD CHAMPIONS AND RUNNERS-UP! We grew up together, had fun together, worked together, suffered together, and this year… WE WON TOGETHER! I love you, little brother.”
Atop identical machinery next season, it will be fascinating to see how the two brothers compare as they set their sights on the 2026 premier class title.
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