Fabio Quartararo and Marc Marquez have shared several dramatic Marc Marquez MotoGP battles over recent seasons, creating some of the closest finishes in modern racing. Their encounters, particularly in 2019 and 2022, have become key moments in MotoGP history, especially when both riders were competing at the highest level.
Clash of Rivals: The 2019 MotoGP Season
The intensity of the rivalry reached its peak during Quartararo’s rookie year in 2019, when he finished second in five races, each time just behind reigning champion Marc Marquez. During the Thai Grand Prix, the two riders battled fiercely to the chequered flag. Marquez, representing Repsol Honda, secured victory by a slim 0.171 seconds, a race that also earned him his eighth world title. Similar narrow defeats occurred for Quartararo at Misano (0.903 seconds), Motegi (0.870 seconds), and Valencia (1.026 seconds), with Marquez always just ahead at the finish.
This fierce competition brought both riders into the spotlight, with Quartararo racing for Petronas SRT Yamaha and Marquez continuing his dominant run in MotoGP. These duels were defined by speed, nerves, and mutual respect.
Turning Points: Injury, Transition, and New Champions
After his debut season, Quartararo joined the factory Yamaha team and went on to claim his first MotoGP victory at the 2020 season opener. This race was also marked by a turning point for Marquez, who sustained a career-altering arm injury that season, sidelining him for a significant period. Quartararo capitalized on the opportunity, eventually securing the MotoGP world title in 2021.
The following seasons saw a shift in the competitive landscape. European manufacturers rose to prominence, while Marquez’s lengthy recovery and recurring injuries kept both him and Quartararo away from regular podium contention. The stage was set for new narratives in MotoGP, yet the lingering memory of their earlier clashes remained.
Unforgettable Duel at the 2022 Americas Grand Prix
When prompted to recall his most cherished battle with Marquez, Quartararo surprised many by not selecting one of their celebrated 2019 showdowns. Instead, he highlighted a determined fight for sixth place at the 2022 Americas Grand Prix in Austin:
“The ones of 2019 were nice because they were for the victory, but [I’d pick] 2022, in Austin, where we fought a lot. It was really nice. I miss that,”
Quartararo said.
In that race, Marquez faced adversity from the outset as a technical problem dropped him to the back, starting 24th. Undeterred, Marquez surged through the field, advancing to 18th by the end of the first lap, 14th by lap three, and breaking into the top ten by lap seven. This comeback was punctuated by a new lap record, with Marquez overtaking Pol Espargaro, then quickly passing Johann Zarco and Quartararo to claim seventh.
Jorge Martin became the next competitor for Marquez to catch, but Quartararo, invigorated by the presence of his familiar rival, attached himself to Marquez’s rear wheel. Together, they overtook Martin, and Quartararo mounted a challenge for sixth, even briefly moving ahead before Marquez regained the spot. Ultimately, Marquez and Quartararo finished sixth and seventh respectively, separated by just 0.143 seconds.
“At the end, we had a really nice battle with Fabio, and when the race finished, I was destroyed,”
acknowledged Marquez.
“Riding behind an eight-time world champion, you always learn something,”
smiled Quartararo.
Quartararo remained hopeful about future clashes, stating,
“I think Marc will be a title contender this year, I will give my best to be a title contender, and so I think we will have more [battles] like that, for better positions…”
The Legacy and Future of the Marquez-Quartararo Rivalry
Despite Quartararo’s optimism, the anticipated renewal of their victory duels has yet to materialize. The dynamic of the MotoGP grid has continued to evolve, influenced by shifts in team strategies, technical advancements, and rider health.
Marquez eventually returned to title-winning form with Ducati in 2025, breaking a five-year championship drought in a new factory role. Quartararo, meanwhile, looked primed to end his own three-year dry spell at Silverstone, but technical misfortune intervened as he suffered a ride-height failure while leading comfortably, postponing his return to victory lane.
The narratives emerging from these Marc Marquez MotoGP battles continue to influence fans and racers alike, proving that the shared history between Quartararo and Marquez remains an essential part of MotoGP’s evolving story. Their memorable encounters highlight the unpredictability of the sport and the resilience of top competitors, with anticipation lingering for their next on-track showdown.
