Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez has firmly rejected accusations that he deliberately gave up victory at the Catalan Grand Prix to postpone securing the 2025 MotoGP title. The controversy arose after last weekend’s Barcelona race, where Marquez’s performance raised questions about his intentions regarding the championship race.
At the Barcelona round, Marquez had built a 187-point lead in the world championship standings, positioning him to claim his seventh MotoGP title as early as this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix at Misano. However, his brother Alex Marquez won the race on Sunday, reducing Marc’s lead to 183 points, just below the threshold needed to clinch the title at Misano.
Barcelona Race Sparks Speculation About Marc Marquez’s Strategy
Marc Marquez’s second-place finish behind Alex led to speculation that he was avoiding sealing the championship on home soil, thus delaying the moment he would tie Valentino Rossi’s record of seven titles. Marquez quickly dismissed these doubts before the San Marino event.
To those who think I didn’t win at Barcelona so as not to clinch the title at Misano, screw them,
said Marquez, signaling his frustration with the rumors.
He explained that his performance in Barcelona was affected by the need to manage energy and maintain consistency during a busy season.
At Barcelona, I was more serious than ever, because I put myself in ‘eco mode’ there due to all the commitments you have to face.
Marc added,
I tried to get ‘match point’ [for Misano], but I couldn’t because there was a rider who was faster on Sunday. I want to close [the championship] as soon as possible, because that will mean we continue on the same path. These races are already preparation for 2026.
Track Conditions Favor Alex at Barcelona, But Misano Could Change Dynamics
The Barcelona circuit is one where Marc Marquez has never felt completely at ease, while his brother Alex is notably strong. The upcoming Misano round, however, is expected to suit Marc’s riding style better, potentially shifting the championship battle.
Marquez expressed his intent to outperform his brother at Misano:
I want to beat Alex here,
emphasizing competition between the siblings. He also acknowledged the challenge posed by other competitors, adding,
Theoretically, this circuit is more favourable for my riding style.
He cautioned that the rivalry might extend beyond family, noting the presence of other strong teams:
I don’t think the KTMs are far off. Let’s see if we can be up there.
Championship Race Remains Open Ahead of Misano Grand Prix
Marc Marquez enters Misano with a chance to secure the title in Japan, needing to score at least three more points than Alex to gain a match point for the championship. He approached this prospect with a mixture of confidence and caution.
Now I think it’s possible to have match point in Japan, but not so much to clinch the title there,’
Marquez said, before adding a note of prudence,
Once you win the title, you have more confidence, less concentration and, as a result, there are more mistakes.
Alex Marquez Responds to Speculation with Firm Rejection
When asked about the allegations that Marc might have held back, Alex Marquez declined to engage in the speculation, emphasizing the futility of such talk.
Nothing else to add. I’m really not going to waste a second of my time answering this; there are people who just talk for the sake of talking.
He underscored his own achievements throughout his career while echoing Marc’s dismissal of critics:
Whatever I do, something will always be said, there will always be someone who questions my success. Why did I win in Moto3? Why did I win in Moto2? Why did I move up to MotoGP? That’s what Marc says: screw them.
Implications for the 2025 MotoGP Championship Battle
The ongoing contest between the Marquez brothers adds extra tension to the closing stages of the 2025 MotoGP season. Marc Marquez’s clear intention to end the title race as soon as possible contrasts with the challenges posed by his brother and other rivals like the KTM team. The San Marino Grand Prix at Misano will be a crucial test, with the championship still very much undecided and the potential to extend to the Japanese round.
Marquez’s focus on maintaining momentum and preparing for the 2026 season highlights the strategic depth behind his performances. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the competition intensifies, with pride, records, and career milestones all at stake.
