The Old Marquez Is Back

Marc Marquez put up a fierce fight against Francesco Bagnaia who confirmed he was back to his old self.

AP/JOSE BRETON

Gresini Racing racer, Marc Marquez (left), is closely following Ducati Lenovo racer, Francesco Bagnaia, during the main race of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix series at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit, Jerez de la Frontera, on Sunday (28/4/2024).

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SUNDAY — Marc Marquez brought excitement to the stands of the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit which was packed with nearly 300,000 spectators when attacking Francesco Bagnaia on lap 21. Marquez and Bagnaia collided at Turn 10 and both almost fell. They again overtook each other on the 22nd lap which triggered Bagnaia's response by setting a record for the fastest race lap of 1 minute 37.449 seconds to stay away and win the race.

This is Bagnaia's third consecutive win in the Spanish series race at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit, Jerez de la Frontera, Sunday (28/4/2024).

He celebrated the victory shouting while clenching his fists during the slow down lap. This is a crucial victory for the factory Ducati racer after difficulties in Portimao and Austin. This victory put Bagnaia in second place with 75 points, 17 points different from the leader Jorge Martin.

Also read: ”Pole Position” Ends Marc Marquez-Ducati Adaptation

Meanwhile, for Marquez, finishing in second place is his first podium in a dry race since Austria 2022, or 558 days ago. When he was still with Honda, Marquez could only reach the podium in wet track conditions, such as in Japan last season. However, this season with the Ducati bike, he has returned to his highly competitive and aggressive self.

The fight with Marc was a little tough, but every time you fight with Marc, you have to be aggressive and in the end it was very good, I really enjoyed it.

The competition between Marquez and Bagnaia began in the 21st round, where Marquez was able to overtake Bagnaia in turn nine. However, Bagnaia responded by diving from the inside and they briefly raced side by side. Upon entering turn 10, Marquez on the outside tried to close the gap, but Bagnaia also became aggressive and quickly dived from the inside.

AP/JOSE BRETON

Gresini Racing rider Marc Marquez (left) drives his motorcycle followed by Ducati Lenovo rider Francesco Bagnaia during the main race of the MotoGP Grand Prix Series in Spain at Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera on Sunday (28/4/2024).

The front tire of Bagnaia's motorcycle hit Marquez's right arm, causing both of their motorcycles to wobble. However, Marquez remained focused on speeding up the Desmosedici GP23 motorcycle, while Bagnaia was able to find momentum to throttle with the Desmosedici GP24. Bagnaia regained the lead, but on the 22nd lap, Marquez attacked again and was again restrained by Bagnaia.

The defending MotoGP champion then responded to Marquez's pressure by setting a record for the fastest race lap of 1 minute 37.449 seconds. This confirms that he gave his all and took big risks to achieve his third consecutive win at Jerez.

"Obviously the most important thing is the first lap, overtaking at turn six from the outside is very important," said Bagnaia.

Also read: The Wildest Sprint Race in Jerez

Bagnaia overtook Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin with that maneuver and then surpassed Marc Marquez who was leading the race. He was then overtaken by Martin again, until the Pramac Racing racer fell in turn six.

"And then I tried to follow the racers in front of me, and then Jorge made a mistake, braking too hard at the entry point of turn six, but I really enjoyed it," said Pecco, Bagnaia's nickname.

AP/JOSE BRETON

Gresini Racing rider, Marc Marquez, celebrated after the main race of the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix series at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera on Sunday (28/4/2024).

The 2022 and 2023 MotoGP champion then became involved in fierce competition with Marquez, who got up and started to find a solid pace starting in the middle of the race. He also scored the fastest lap of the race.

"The battle with Marc was a bit tough, but every time you fight with Marc, you have to be aggressive and in the end it was very good, I really enjoyed it," said Bagnaia, who became very aggressive in trying to defend the front position from Marquez's attacks.

Also read: Marquez Goes to ”Ground Zero”

"Seeing the crowd of spectators at this circuit is something extraordinary, I thank them, and thank everyone," concluded Bagnaia at the parc ferme.

For Marquez, his fight with Bagnaia confirms that he has returned to his old self - the aggressive Marquez who only knows how to attack.

AP/JOSE BRETON

The celebration of Gresini Racing's racer, Marc Marquez, after the main race of the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix series at the Jerez Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera on Sunday (28/4/2024). Marquez successfully finished in second place.

"Yes, this is a very important race. At first, I was a little stiff because, as you know, I had an accident in Austin, I had an accident yesterday. At first, with a full tank, I was a little stiff, and then I lost some positions, but the speed was there to come back, the speed was there to fight with Bagnaia," said Marquez.

"Yes, it was a fierce battle, even though it was like the past (showing the black mark on the front tire of Bagnaia on the right sleeve of his racing suit). It was a good race, and I tried to close the gap on the inside, but things like this happen in a race," said the six-time MotoGP champion.

Also read: Bagnaia's experiment results in a new record at Jerez

Marquez said that Bagnaia was super fast on the last lap. Bagnaia stepped on the gas and set the fastest lap record of the race. Then, Marquez tried to follow Bagnaia, but Bagnaia was faster.

He also emphasized that Jerez, which became ground zero for his career downturn because of a serious accident in 2020, did not affect his performance. The past does not affect his approach to the race as he will continue to attack.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Gresini Racing racer Marc Marquez (left); Ducati Lenovo racer Francesco Bagnaia (middle); and Pertamina Enduro VR46 racer Marco Bezzecchi, celebrated their victory on the podium after the main race of the Spanish MotoGP Grand Prix series at Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit, Jerez de la Frontera, on Sunday (28/4/2024). Bagnaia finished first, followed by Marquez in second place and Bezzecchi in third place.

"I am super happy with this first podium. As you can see, it doesn't matter what happened in the past, I will just keep fighting until the end," said Marquez.

Marquez celebrated his return to his former self by climbing the fence separating the stands and the track. He was cheered on by thousands of his fans who had long awaited Marquez's return to form.

Also read: Bagnaia Traces the Path to Victory in Jerez

The third podium in the main race in Jerez was won by Pertamina Enduro VR46 racer, Marco Bezzecchi. This was a crucial podium because he was starting to find a way to control the Desmosedici GP23.

"I am very happy with this result after the difficulties in the early season. Thanks to the team who never stopped believing in me, and they always gave me the right support, and the entire academy, Carlo, Uccio, Vale, especially, and all my friends, family, everyone, I hope not to forget anyone because everyone is important to me. Thanks to all," said Bezzecchi.