Alex Marquez showed remarkable resilience at the MotoGP German GP by advancing into Q2 qualifying despite an injury to his left hand. During Friday’s sessions at the Sachsenring circuit, Marquez managed to impress with his pace, demonstrating why he remains a strong contender in the championship.
The Gresini Ducati rider initially struggled in Free Practice 1, placing 14th, but a fitness check from MotoGP medical director Dr Angel Charte confirmed he could continue competing throughout the weekend. Later in the day, Marquez improved his performance significantly, setting the second-fastest time in FP2 and booking his place in Q2.
Progression through practice sessions reveals promising pace
Marquez’s times in the afternoon practice session revealed that his hand injury was not drastically limiting his speed. His best lap of 1m19.408s was just over three-tenths off the top time set by Fabio di Giannantonio, who, along with teammate Franco Morbidelli, was using fresh soft tyres at the session’s close. This context suggests Marquez’s performance under physical constraints was especially noteworthy.
Despite being the younger brother of Marc Marquez, Alex managed to outpace him in FP2, highlighting his strong form at this stage of the German GP weekend. Marquez completed 27 laps on Friday afternoon, nearly matching the total laps planned for the race, which indicates his determination to maintain race readiness even with physical discomfort.
Effect of injury on riding style and outlook for race weekend
Marquez acknowledged that the pain from his injury influenced how he rides, forcing him to adopt a stiffer style that differs from his natural flowing approach. He explained,
No. I mean, you always have the feeling or [say to yourself], ‘OK, I can be fast also like this [with an injury]’ – but not to be second and to be quite close to the top guys.
—Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing rider
He further commented on the challenge of managing the discomfort:
With the pain that I have… I’m not riding [with my natural flow]. Because I’m super stiff, you know? So, it’s something that I need to understand, I need to feel,
and added,
When I try to ride in a flowing way, in my style, that is where I feel pain.
—Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing rider
Regarding the uncertainty of his condition improving or worsening, Marquez expressed cautious optimism while focusing on the short term, saying,
Injuries like this sometimes are getting better and better, or sometimes worse and worse. So, I have this doubt for tomorrow – we’ll see,
and added,
When I wake up I will see how my hand is; whether there is more inflammation or not. And from that point I will try, session by session, to give 100%. And not think too far ahead.
—Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing rider
Looking ahead to the race, he remains hopeful adrenaline will help mitigate the impact of his injury, stating,
But I think with adrenaline… and all that, I will forget the [injury in the races].
—Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing rider
Implications for the championship and upcoming race sessions
Despite his injury, Alex Marquez’s performance at the German GP signals his competitive potential as the championship progresses. Currently second in the standings, maintaining strong pace while managing his physical condition will be crucial. His ability to secure a Q2 spot so early in the weekend underlines his determination and the support from the Gresini Ducati team.
As the race weekend unfolds, Marquez’s condition and adaptability in subsequent sessions will shape his prospects at Sachsenring. His cautious yet determined approach offers hope that he can contend strongly despite the obstacles, keeping pressure on rivals such as Fabio di Giannantonio and teammates fighting for top positions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Alex Marquez?
A. Alex Marquez from BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP is planning to have surgery following a difficult finish at the Motul GP of the Netherlands. Currently ranked second, he had an accident with Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at Assen. As a result, he now has a broken left hand.
