The rivalry between Marc Marquez and his brother Alex Marquez has drawn intense scrutiny during this MotoGP season, as both riders consistently compete at the front of the grid. Across 20 races, including Sprint Races and Grands Prix, the Marquez brothers have finished in the top two positions together 14 times, with Marc prevailing in all but one of those encounters.
Close Battles and Doubts over Racing Intensity
This season, the Marquez brothers have repeatedly demonstrated their dominance, notably at Mugello’s Italian Grand Prix where they secured a one-two finish with Marc crossing nearly two seconds ahead of Alex. Despite these strong showings, some critics have questioned whether Alex has held back in his battle against Marc, especially when compared to his competitiveness against other riders like Francesco Bagnaia. Their latest Sprint Race ended again with a Marquez one-two, though Alex’s weekend was cut short after a collision with Pedro Acosta in the Grand Prix, resulting in a broken hand.
Marc Marquez openly rejected the accusations suggesting his brother was not racing him aggressively, emphasizing his own defensive strategies designed to keep other riders at bay. These tactics make it challenging for anyone chasing to overtake, adding complexity to the intra-family rivalry.
Expert Opinions on the Racing Dynamics Between the Marquez Brothers
Veteran MotoGP pundits Michael Laverty and Sylvain Guintoli have weighed in on why Alex struggles to make decisive passes on Marc during races. Laverty, with extensive experience including 37 MotoGP starts, explained that the larger, faster MotoGP bikes limit overtaking opportunities compared to World Superbikes.
If you watch World Superbikes you see that it’s possible to make a move after you go through the fast right at Turn 12, into the direction change,
Laverty said.
But in MotoGP that straight is so much shorter,
he added, noting how the wider bikes leave little room for passing maneuvers at high speeds.
Laverty also pointed out moments when Alex could have attempted an overtake near Turn 12’s kink but likely held back, saving his move for a later lap that never materialised.
But the bikes are too similar, there was no opportunity.
—Michael Laverty, MotoGP Pundit
In agreement, Guintoli highlighted how the aerodynamics of MotoGP machines make high-speed passing extremely difficult. The aerodynamic load reduces maneuverability, causing the bikes to resist turning sharply, which further restricts chances for a rider like Alex to sneak past Marc.
Marc Marquez’s Resilience Shines at Assen Despite Setbacks
Marc faced challenges entering the Assen weekend after crashing twice on Friday and struggling in qualifying to secure just fourth on the grid. Nevertheless, he showed remarkable determination by winning the Sprint Race on Saturday despite these setbacks.
He was on the back foot, he had those two massive crashes [on the Friday]. He was clearly in pain and didn’t have a good qualifying,
Guintoli said.
When you think he’s down, he fights back! What a race he did, unbelievable.
Marc maintained his momentum by claiming victory in the Sunday Grand Prix, marking his first Dutch TT win since 2018. His ability to rebound from adversity underscores his competitive spirit, which continues to intensify his sibling rivalry.
Ongoing Impact of the Marquez Brothers’ Rivalry on the MotoGP Season
The intense competition between Marc and Alex Marquez is a defining storyline in this MotoGP season, contributing excitement and tension at every event. Their frequent one-two finishes highlight their dominance but also fuel debates among fans and experts about race tactics and rivalry dynamics. The controversy surrounding whether Alex races at his full pace against his brother adds an emotional layer to their duels.
With both riders frequently battling for top positions, this rivalry is likely to remain a focal point in upcoming races, influencing strategies and perhaps even shaping the championship outcome. Alex’s recent injury could affect his participation and performance in the immediate future, while Marc’s resilience continues to keep him at the forefront of competition.
