Marc Marquez admits “it’s not normal to win every weekend” after his 2025 dominance continued at the Hungarian MotoGP round.

The Spanish rider took one step closer to a ninth world title as he sealed a seventh double of the season at the new Balaton Park circuit, taking victory by over four seconds at the flag.

Despite falling behind Marco Bezzecchi at the start, Marquez revealed he was “comfortable” throughout Sunday’s Grand Prix as he made the race-winning move on Lap 11. 

However, the Spanish rider also admitted his achievement of winning at 13 of the 14 rounds this campaign was “not normal.”

“I cannot lie, today was comfortable,” Marquez told MotoGP.com after Sunday’s race.

“I was riding in a very good way. It’s true that everything that happened as we’ve seen in the first two corners, but after that I got momentum. 

“I just cooled down and just tried to warm my rear tyre because I was with the medium and from that point, just to build the race and as soon as I led the race, the pace was good. 

“I was fluid on the track, I was on the good lines so today was a very good day, but it’s not normal. It’s not normal to win every weekend, it’s not normal to win every Sprint race, it looks like [it] but it’s not. 

“There will arrive a day when somebody will be faster than us in a Sprint or a main race but it’s better to score a second position or third position, points for the championship.”

Marc Marquez: ‘My mistake’ to cause Turn 2 collision with Marco Bezzecchi

Despite feeling comfortable throughout the Hungarian GP, Marquez had a “scary moment” on the opening lap of the race with Bezzecchi. 

The Spanish rider made contact with the Aprilia rider at Turn 2 after relinquishing the lead of the race, but accepted full responsibility as the rider behind in the incident. 

“We arrive at the first corner, I braked late and I was able to stop the bike well,” Marquez told of the incident. 

“But then I was thinking ‘ok I’ll just release the brakes’ because I didn’t know how much control Bezzecchi and maybe another guy inside had. 

“I released the brakes and I turned late, I knew I would lose the position but I prefer to not to take the risk. 

“At Turn 2 it was my mistake, because the rider behind always needs to be careful about the front rider, but I didn’t expect him to slow down so much. 

“With angle I wasn’t able to brake, and we had that contact. We escaped from that moment but it was a scary moment.”

Marc Marquez reveals why he wants ‘first opportunity’ at MotoGP title in Japan over Misano

A seventh Sprint-race double of the season has edged Marquez ever closer to a ninth world title, which he could have a chance of winning by Misano. 

The Spanish rider admitted he’d prefer not to win the championship at Misano, as it would mean misfortune for his brother Alex Marquez in the next round in Barcelona.

“Of course, now every time it’s getting closer and closer but we need to keep the same mentality and the same focus,” Marquez said. 

“Yesterday we speak a bit with the Spanish journalists, they were asking, they were pushing and they gave me the numbers.

“ I need to say I wish the first opportunity I have [to win the championship] in Japan or Mandalika, because if I have it in Misano it means my brother had a disaster weekend in Catalunya and I want the best for him.”

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Distant championship leader Marc Marquez continued his dominance by topping the timesheets at MotoGP’s newest circuit, Balaton Park.

The factory Ducati rider posted a 1.37.956s, finishing the session as the sole rider in the 1.37s.

After Marquez was KTM test rider Pol Espargaro, who had previously tested the new track ahead of the race weekend.

Pedro Acosta rounded off the top three to continue his strong form, lapping 0.570s behind Marquez.

Luca Marini posted a lap to place his Honda in fourth, followed closely by Gresini’s Alex Marquez and Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi.

Franco Morbidelli escaped injury after crashing twice to finish seventh for VR46 Ducati.

Enea Bastianini secured eighth for Tech3 KTN, as he and rookie Fermin Aldeguer shared identical lap times.

Jorge Martin rounded off the top 10 for Aprilia, even though his RS-GP suffered a massive engine blowout during the session.

Fabio Quartararo and Fabio Di Giannantonio secured 11th and 12th, respectively, followed closely by Pramac Yamaha’s Jack Miller.

Johann Zarco finished the next highest Honda in 14th, but the surprise of the session was factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia finishing down in 15th.

Both Trackhouse Racing riders, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura, secured 16th and 17th, with both riders lapping faster than Miguel Oliveira and Joan Mir.

Alex Rins and Brad Binder closed out proceedings, lapping two seconds slower than the series leader.

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Marc Marquez admits rookie Fermin Aldeguer was his biggest concern en route to Austrian MotoGP victory due to the Gresini rider’s tyre data.

The eight-time World Champion scored a ninth double of 2025 to extend his championship advantage to 142 points following his first-ever triumph around the Red Bull Ring circuit.

However, Sunday’s race wasn’t as easy as Marquez’s previous Grand Prix victories as he spent the majority of the race behind polesitter Marco Bezzecchi before making his move on Lap 20. 

The Spaniard admitted that too much strain on his rear tyre meant he was unable to close the gap to Bezzecchi, and allowed the fast-charging Fermin Aldeguer to catch the pair in the late stages. 

“When I was riding behind Marco, I was putting too much strain on the rear tyre,” said Marquez to Speedweek.

“I couldn’t brake as I wanted, and therefore needed more tire coming out of the corners. So I eased off a bit halfway through the race, took a deep breath, and attacked again in the final laps.

“Then, suddenly Aldeguer came out of nowhere with incredible pace, putting on a lot of pressure. I gained a bit of ground in the last three laps and was able to maintain the gap.”

Marquez also revealed Ducati’s data had shown Aldeguer was the best at managing the rear tyre, and admitted he “started to worry” when he saw the rookie closing the gap behind.

“After I overtook Marco, I checked him. When I saw that the group behind us was two or three seconds behind, I forgot to check what was happening.

“Then I suddenly saw +1 on my pit board and didn’t even know who it was.

“Then I realised it was Aldeguer and started to worry. We had analysed all the Ducati riders on Saturday, and he was the one who was the most careful with the rear tyre.”

‘There will be a weekend when I won’t be the fastest’ – Marc Marquez on MotoGP dominance

Despite his run of victories, Marquez also suggested there will be races where he will not be the fastest rider on track. 

The eight-time World Champion suggested the upcoming Balaton Park circuit will be a “good track” for his riding style, but admitted he is staying “realistic” for the next few rounds. 

“I’ve understood and accepted that there will come a Saturday or Sunday when I won’t be the fastest,” Marquez conceded.

“People expect me to always win – but that’s MotoGP, and it doesn’t work that way.

“We have to stay realistic and will face greater difficulties in some races.

“For now, we’re enjoying the moment; I also believe that Balaton will be a good track for me.”

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Marc Marquez shared his verdict on the new Balaton Park MotoGP circuit ahead of the inaugural race weekend.

On Tuesday, 5th August, the championship leader accompanied all Ducati riders during a track day at the Hungarian circuit to deepen their understanding. Alongside the Italian marque’s test rider, Michele Pirro, the squad rode a Panigale V4 S Pro.

MotoGP returns to Hungary for the first time since 1992, where the Hungaroring previously held races in the 500cc era.

“A great day on track with the entire Ducati Corse squad,” Marquez shared via Ducati’s press release.

“I’m happy; the track layout is unique and unusual. It will require a slightly different riding style; it’s a stop and go track and you’ll need to adapt.

“The faster you get into the rhythm, the better it gets, and you can really enjoy the speed.

“The tarmac is good; they did a great job. I can’t wait to race here with the MotoGP bike.”

Francesco Bagnaia shares his best lap time from the track day

Marquez’s stablemate Francesco Bagnaia was the only rider so far to share his best lap time, as he posted a 1.41.468s, lapping only three seconds clear of WorldSBK’s 1.38.357s.

Although lap times can only provide a rough guide to finding the best braking points, the two-time MotoGP champion had positive things to share about the track layout.

“Getting back on the bike after the holidays is always a pleasure,” said Bagnaia.

“My first impressions of the Balaton track are good. It’s a small circuit, and you have to be careful in the chicanes, but I’m satisfied.

“The layout is unique, and we’re having fun. It’ll be different with the Desmosedici GP, but for now, I’m enjoying the Panigale V4 – even trying to drift it.”

Ducati shared that both Marquez and Bagnaia completed approximately 70 laps in total between them.

The Bologna outfit ended its summer break early to comply with MotoGP regulations, which prohibits any MotoGP rider from riding at Balaton within 15 days of the event.

MotoGP’s first race on its return to Hungary will take place from 22nd to 24th August.

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There’s something magnetic about a rider leaning into a curve at 200 km/ph. You feel it in your chest even if you’re just watching from the couch.

The blend of speed and danger is almost hypnotic. It’s not just how fast they go, it’s the precision it takes to survive at that speed. Unlike car racing, there’s nothing shielding the rider from the asphalt. One mistake could be the end. That raw exposure is part of what makes motorcycle racing feel so real.

Spectators aren’t just watching machines on a track. They’re witnessing human courage. The tiniest decisions, braking a split-second later or accelerating through a risky gap, can change everything.

These micro-moments demand total attention, and that’s why fans stay glued to the screen or the track. Their pulse rises with every turn, every overtake, every high-speed wobble. It’s emotional. It’s physical. It’s addicting.

The global obsession with MotoGP

MotoGP, in particular, has grown into a cultural staple. What started as a niche motorsport has become an international phenomenon, filling stadiums and generating millions of loyal followers.

Riders like Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, and Fabio Quartararo have turned into household names, not just because of their talent but because of the personalities they bring to the circuit. MotoGP today isn’t just about engines and laps. It’s about drama, rivalry, legacy.

The international calendar also fuels the obsession. From Mugello in Italy to Sepang in Malaysia, each track has its own energy and tradition. Fans follow not just the riders but the venues, the climates, and the quirks of each race. It’s a global tour of high-octane action, and the variety keeps it fresh. Every stop has its own storyline.

What fans do between races

Of course, races don’t happen every day. But that doesn’t mean the passion goes away in between. Fans often stay engaged through highlights, interviews, and fantasy racing games.

Many of them also explore other forms of entertainment that offer the same kind of rush, fast-paced and decision-heavy experiences. That’s why some of them turn to platforms like melbet casino online where the stakes feel just as real and the thrill of each decision is just as sharp.

Others dive deep into technical details, learning about bikes, tweaking their own motorcycles, or following updates from test runs and practice laps. The off-season is still part of the sport. There’s always something to dig into.

The intense connection with the riders

One of the most powerful aspects of motorcycle racing is how connected fans feel to the riders. Unlike team sports where individuals often disappear into the group, MotoGP and other motorcycle events keep the spotlight on the rider.

Fans follow their favourite personalities from rookie years to championship runs. They learn the rider’s habits, riding styles, recovery stories, and even off-track lives.

These connections aren’t superficial. When a rider crashes, fans genuinely worry. When one wins after an injury, they celebrate like it’s a personal victory. The sport creates emotional investment that goes far beyond just being impressed by skill.

High drama packed into every second

Motorcycle racing is unpredictable. A perfectly executed race can fall apart in half a second with a lock-up or a missed gear. Weather can change everything mid-lap. A rider in tenth place can suddenly shoot to the front if the leaders get tangled. That uncertainty is electric.

There’s no room for coasting. Even when a rider leads comfortably, one wrong move or one great corner from the chasing pack can flip the script. That’s what makes people yell at their screens, lean forward in the stands, and hold their breath for entire laps.

Why the visuals matter so much

There’s something mesmerizing about how motorcycle races look. The lean angles. The sparks from knees brushing asphalt. The blur of colour and speed. It’s cinematic, but better, because it’s live and real.

Drone footage and onboard cameras have only added to the experience. Now fans can ride along, feeling the lean, the throttle, the brake. It’s not just sport, it’s a full-body experience. That kind of immersion makes fans come back race after race.

What keeps people coming back:

• The unpredictability of every race
• Emotional connection with riders
• Global storylines across circuits
• Off-track drama and rivalries
• Visuals that feel like an action movie
  

These elements combine into something that’s more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a passion, a source of constant excitement.

The community behind the obsession

Motorcycle racing fandom is a tribe. Fans gather online, in garages, on forums, and at watch parties. They swap theories, share stats, and debate overtakes like they were courtroom battles. The shared experience makes the sport even richer.

In many places, entire families grow up watching races together. It becomes tradition. Fathers and daughters argue over who’s faster, friends pick different riders and keep score all season. That long-term engagement is what turns viewers into lifelong fans.

Final thoughts on the pull of motorcycle racing

There’s a reason so many people can’t look away from the track. Motorcycle racing combines high-speed action with personal stakes, global narratives, and constant surprise. It’s sport stripped down to its core, humans pushing themselves and their machines to the absolute edge.

And for millions around the world, that edge is exactly where the thrill lives.

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There was a time when motorcycle racing was something you had to discover on your own.

A handful of die-hard fans followed it closely, while others barely knew it existed. Fast forward to today, and MotoGP has turned into a worldwide obsession. The races aren’t just televised, they’re celebrated. Social media buzzes during Grand Prix weekends, and fans from Europe to Asia set alarms to watch races live.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. MotoGP earned its status by blending elite athleticism with bold storytelling. Every rider has a journey; every season has a narrative. As the sport moved onto bigger screens and digital platforms, it found a new generation of fans who were craving something fast, raw, and real.

The role of unforgettable riders

The global explosion of MotoGP owes a lot to the legends who made the sport larger than life. Riders like Valentino Rossi didn’t just win races, they changed the culture. His yellow gear, iconic celebrations, and connection with fans turned him into a global brand. And with each new superstar, from Jorge Lorenzo to Marc Márquez, the sport’s reach only grew stronger.

These aren’t faceless athletes in helmets. Fans know their injuries, rivalries, and personalities. They follow recovery updates, cheer for comeback rides, and argue passionately over who deserved a podium. That personal attachment is what sets MotoGP apart and makes every race feel important.

Why the format works for modern audiences

MotoGP races are short, intense, and packed with action. There’s no sitting through hours of buildup. Once the lights go out, every second counts. This suits today’s fast-paced viewing habits perfectly. Fans want action, and MotoGP delivers it without delay.

There’s also a unique charm in how each track tells a different story. One weekend the riders battle tight hairpins in Assen. The next, they’re flying through Mugello’s high-speed curves. That variety keeps things unpredictable and exciting, week after week.

The rise of international circuits

The world map of MotoGP has changed dramatically. What was once dominated by Europe now spans the globe. Races take place in Argentina, Thailand, Qatar, Japan, and more. Each country brings its own fan energy, cultural flavour, and atmosphere to the championship.

This expansion means more fans see their own flags flying above the track. It’s not just about cheering for a rider; it’s about national pride. Kids in Indonesia grow up dreaming of racing professionally. Fans in India fill arenas to watch practice sessions on big screens. The sport has woven itself into the cultural fabric of places it never touched before.

What fans do beyond watching races

MotoGP fans are more than just spectators. They’re gearheads, collectors, gamers, and amateur racers themselves. They follow the technical evolution of bikes, compare manufacturers, and know the difference between a soft and medium rear tire.

Many also enjoy competitive activities with a similar feel, events that mix skill, timing, and adrenaline. For example, during long breaks between races, some fans turn to platforms that offer high-stakes challenges like tennis betting, where fast decisions and a deep knowledge of the sport bring a similar kind of rush.

How digital media changed everything

Streaming, social platforms, and mobile apps have revolutionized how MotoGP is consumed. Fans don’t just wait for Sunday anymore. They analyse qualifying on Saturday, check rider vlogs midweek, and binge crash compilations during lunch breaks. The MotoGP experience now stretches far beyond the track.

The league itself embraced this shift. Exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-time stats are constantly available. This nonstop engagement fuels deeper loyalty. Fans feel like insiders, not just viewers.

What makes the sport irresistible

• Fast-paced races with constant action
  
• Global stars with strong personalities
  
• A diverse calendar of legendary circuits
  
• Intimate access to teams and riders through media
  
• A global fanbase that’s active year-round
  

All of this makes MotoGP more than just a motorsport. It’s a connected universe where fans are deeply involved, emotionally invested, and always looking for the next hit of adrenaline.

The new generation of fans

MotoGP isn’t just retaining its loyal base. It’s growing. Young fans are discovering it on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels. They’re drawn in by highlight clips, dramatic moments, and charismatic interviews. The sport feels intense and modern, even though it’s rooted in decades of tradition.

What’s interesting is how this generation blends fandom with lifestyle. They don’t just watch. They wear branded hoodies, design fan art, and stream MotoGP games. It’s an identity, not just entertainment.

MotoGP’s future looks fast and global

With electric bikes entering the conversation, new countries joining the calendar, and rider development programs in full swing, MotoGP is far from slowing down. It’s growing in every direction, technologically, geographically, and culturally.

The sport has already proven it can connect people across borders, backgrounds, and languages. The sound of engines, the tension of a close finish, the celebration of a surprise win, these are universal. And MotoGP has figured out how to package it all into something that feels both raw and modern.

For millions, it’s not just racing. It’s something they wait for, talk about, live through. And it’s only getting bigger.

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Marc Marquez has likened his 2025 MotoGP form to the peak performances that earned him titles in 2014 and 2019.

The Spaniard’s dominance in 2014 and 2019 set a high benchmark in MotoGP, and he is showing similar form in 2025 in his debut season with factory Ducati.

Marquez’s grand prix win at Brno makes him the first Ducati rider to win five races in a row, extending his championship lead to 120 points heading into the summer break.

“I’m in one of the best moments of my career; I feel like I did in 2019 or 2014,” the Spaniard explained to Speedweek.

“”I’m driving very well, I’m calm, and I can manage the races. I have to maintain this mentality and focus, and I can only thank my team.

“We mustn’t forget that this is a new team for me. At the same time, that made the first races of the season more interesting for me.

“We had some leeway from the start – when we had the perfect connection, we were able to improve significantly.”

Marc Marquez admits 2025 MotoGP title is his to lose

For the first time in 2025, the 32-year-old has now revealed that the destination of the 2025 MotoGP title is in his hands.

Marquez previously played the underdog at certain races he felt less confident about, but with the gap in the championship, he believes the title is now his to lose.

“For me the only priority is to win the title,” he stated via GPOne.

“I try to be honest, now I can only lose it. There are 10 GPs left, I have to keep the same mentaility and the team the same spirit.

“I don’t care about records, I just want to be champion again.

“We only talk about records when someone is about to break them. I won five races in a row before, but it’s now more difficult because there are also Sprints.

“I will try bring home 37 points every weekend, but sometimes it won’t be possible.”

READ MORE – Marc Marquez dominates to land fifth successive MotoGP victory in Brno

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Marc Marquez admits he prefers to be “pessimistic” over his chances of winning the MotoGP title at the end of the 2025 season. 

The eight-time World Champion leads the standings by 83 points ahead of brother Alex Marquez after another dominant weekend at the Sachsenring. 

Marquez admitted he had been anticipating an important weekend at the German circuit, where he dominated to take victory for a ninth time in the premier class. 

“I am overjoyed because this was one of the tracks I had marked on my calendar to attack,” Marquez said via GPOne.

“As we know, it is a special circuit for me and I had a perfect weekend. 

“Above all, yesterday was the most important day with the rain and today, in the dry, I knew I had better pace than the others and I tried not to overdo it.”

Despite his better pace, Marquez’s seven-second gap out front was also in part due to a flurry of crashes at Turn 1. 

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi both crashed out of second place as six riders exited the race at the corner. 

Marquez suggested the transition between wet and dry conditions could have played a part in the crashes. 

“When you ride for so many laps in the wet, it’s strange to go back to the slicks as the bike feels heavy at first,” the championship leader said. 

“Also the grip was not perfect and, finally, we all chose the hard front tyre, which was on the limit in the middle and the right side.” 

When asked why he did not crash, the Spaniard said: “I’m on a track where I feel good, which is perfect for my riding style. I could have been in the perfect line in every corner because I was not on my limit. 

“I could have lapped in 1:20.3 like in practice, but today I tried to managed the tyres because the race was going to be long.”

‘The glass is half empty’ – Marc Marquez on 2025 title ambitions

With his victory at the Sachsenring, Marquez surpassed Giacomo Agostini for second on the list of all-time race victories.

The Spaniard is now just 20 wins behind long-time rival Valentino Rossi’s record of 89 victories, and Marquez admits that he will try to continue his current form to reach the target. 

“It is so important to continue to have fun on a motorcycle,” Marquez said about the achievement.

“When you win, you have fun and this season I’m doing that a lot. 

“To get to 200 GPs with a win means you are at a very good level, and I will try to continue like that, especially with the same passion.”

However, as Marquez looks to chase down a ninth world championship title, he was a lot more reserved about his chances despite his current lead. 

“We are only halfway through the season. I am always optimistic, but in this case I prefer to be pessimistic. 

“We have only raced 11 GPs, I see the glass as half empty because then I can stay focused. Anything can happen.”

Marquez revealed one thing that has helped to keep him focused this season is the fact that his brother Alex is his nearest title rival. 

While the Cervera-native suggested he had anticipated a stronger challenge from team-mate Francesco Bagnaia, he praised his brother for not making mistakes in races. 

“I thought [the title fight] would be more level,” Marquez admitted.

“In a way it is because Alex doesn’t make mistakes, but I thought Pecco [Bagnaia] was behind me to make things difficult for me. 

“Instead there is my brother and that makes me stay even more focused because I can’t afford to make any mistakes.”

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Marc Marquez has called for “respect for all” MotoGP riders, after criticism of younger brother Alex Marquez surfaced during the Assen weekend.

The eight-time World Champion won both races at Assen after being pressured by brother Alex in the Sprint and Marco Bezzecchi in the main race.

However, the younger Marquez faced criticism for failing to overtake his older brother after Saturday’s race, despite appearing to be the quicker of the pair. 

After Bezzecchi was also unable to find a race-winning overtake on the Spanish rider during the main race, Marquez called for “respect” for all MotoGP riders. 

“It was really difficult,” Marquez said about Bezzecchi’s challenge.

“And coming from this question, I want to say to the people that they need to respect all the riders.

“Because yesterday in the media scrum they start to say your brother didn’t attack you as the other riders. Even some mechanics told me on social media people start to talk about things.

“And today Marco, why didn’t he attack me? In the end, if the front rider is in a very equal level, in this race track that is super narrow, you cannot attack the front riders.

“So, yesterday I defended Alex in the best way possible and today I defended Marco in the best way possible.

Marquez admitted his superior braking allowed him to take victory in both races, and reiterated all MotoGP riders “want to win.”

“And I knew that they were faster in that Turn 11/12, which is the fastest area and the narrowest area, narrow corners, and then if you are on the good line they cannot attack you.

“I was just strong on the brake points, so I defended in a very good way. In that way, I took 37 points.

“But one more time: respect the MotoGP riders because all of them defend their colours, defend their teams and all the grid wants to win, but the problem is only one can win.”

Marquez: ‘I raced with exactly the same set-up as Mugello’ in Assen MotoGP Triumph

Marquez continued his dominance by recording his third consecutive victory, and he will look to keep his streak going as he heads to the Sachsenring, a circuit where he has won 11 times in the past. 

The Spanish rider said he raced with the same bike as he did when he took his victories at Mugello, but revealed Ducati would revert back to the standard aero set-up ahead of the German GP. 

“Honestly speaking I raced with exactly the same set-up as Mugello, we didn’t touch anything,” Marquez said. 

“Just the biggest difference was the aerodynamics, but it was just because I crashed with one bike in FP1, on the third lap, and then I jumped to the second bike with the new aero.

“I get used to it and I said ‘ok, we keep it’, because one of my strong points of my riding style is getting used to the situation and getting used to the bike.

“Then of course in Sachsenring we will come back [to the standard aero] and retry again because it’s not very clear that it’s better or worse.”

READ MORE – Marc Marquez triumphs to take Assen MotoGP race victory

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Factory Ducati rider Marc Marquez branded his Mugello MotoGP win as “unexpected” despite establishing a two second cushion over the rest of the field.

The Spaniard converted his 100th career pole to a 93rd career win at the Italian Grand Prix, crossing the line 1.942s ahead of his brother Alex Marquez.

He came out on top after a scrap with Marquez and team-mate Francesco Bagnaia in the first half of the race, with all three riders leading at one stage.

The race-winning move came on Lap 9, after which he dominated the second half, but the Spaniard hadn’t anticipated a victory was on the cards.

“I rate this weekend as Qatar – an unexpected victory,” Marquez said in MotoGP’s After the Flag.

“It’s that kind of track where normally I need to defend, but I was able to attack and take even more points against Alex.

“[He] is the main opponent at the moment because he’s super constant and super-fast, and has very strong points, especially on those fast right corners.”

Marc Marquez reveals what he told himself throughout the MotoGP Mugello race

The 32-year-old admitted he didn’t want to replicate the mistake he made at Jerez when he crashed out early on while losing ground on the leaders.

Marquez described what he was telling himself during the early phases while battling alongside his nearest championship rivals.

“I was breathing more than normal because already in Jerez I crashed in the second, third lap,” he said.

“So today I was just repeating in my mind that ‘the race is super long’.

“And like this, I tried to be inside the battle because my target was to lead the race, but at the same time I tried to manage the tyres.

“I saw that Pecco was pushing the tyres a lot and then I said ‘ok, let’s see what I can do’.

“But then I saw Alex overtook us, then I already understood that Alex had another pace.

“Then I jumped behind him and I just waited for that middle part of the race when I started to feel better.”

He added: “I mean, I was just trying to be on that 1m47s lows, some 1m46s but it was too risky.

“But I saw that the gap was increasing and then I tried to manage the situation. Then when I took those 1.5s, 2s, I just managed the race.”

Marquez ended a decade-long wait to claim his first MotoGP win in Tuscany since the 2014 season.

READ MORE – Marc Marquez prevails to take victory in frenetic Mugello MotoGP race

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