Marc Marquez Triumphs Again as Strategy Backfires for Championship Leader Jorge Martin at San Marino
@Red Bull content pool
In a thrilling race at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing) returned to dominant form, claiming his second consecutive victory and delivering a tactical masterclass in ever-changing conditions. Just one week after stepping back onto the top step of the podium, Marquez once again showed why he remains one of MotoGP’s most formidable competitors, despite recent struggles with form and fitness. With this win, his first back-to-back victories since 2021, Marquez thrust himself firmly back into the Championship conversation on Gresini Racing’s home turf.
However, the race wasn't just about Marquez's brilliance—it also played host to dramatic shifts in the Championship picture. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who entered the race as the Championship leader, gambled on a pit stop to switch bikes in the flag-to-flag contest. That decision, however, would prove costly, as Martin found himself a lap down after having to pit a second time. It left him with just a single point for P15 and opened the door for reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to make substantial inroads in the title fight. Bagnaia's second-place finish, combined with Martin’s misfortune, resulted in a crucial 19-point swing in the Championship standings.
@Michelin
The race kicked off in dramatic style, with rain spots appearing before the start, creating tension and uncertainty. The flag-to-flag format allowed riders to swap bikes if needed, and it was clear that strategy would play a pivotal role. When the lights went out, Bagnaia capitalized on his pole position to take the holeshot, fending off a strong start from Martin, who had to dispatch his teammate Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) to move up into second place. The two Ducati riders were locked together in the early stages, with Martin even attempting a bold move at Turn 2, only to cede the position back to Bagnaia and avoid contact.
Behind the leaders, the opening laps were packed with action as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) tried to make his mark. The rookie found himself in a tussle with Morbidelli, clipping the Italian’s bike and losing a wing in the process. Acosta managed to briefly move ahead, but his fortunes would take a turn for the worse as he slid wide at Turn 10 and then crashed out soon after. The tricky conditions were starting to take their toll, with Franco Morbidelli also falling victim to the increasing rain shortly after Acosta’s exit. Both riders were unharmed, but their races were effectively over.
@Michelin
Up at the front, Martin’s pursuit of Bagnaia intensified as the rain began to impact the pace. With Marc Marquez making serious progress and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) hot on their heels, Martin made a critical decision and became the first rider to pit from the lead group. It was a high-risk, high-reward move, but one that didn’t pay off. As Martin rejoined the race, he found himself down in P15 and soon realized he would need to pit again. Meanwhile, Bagnaia and Marquez stayed out, with the latter taking advantage of Martin’s absence to seize the lead by the end of Lap 8.
From that point on, Marquez began to pull away, stretching his advantage over Bagnaia as the rain eased. As conditions improved, it became clear that those who gambled on a bike swap, including Martin, Acosta after rejoining, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing), and the Aprilia Racing duo of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales, had made the wrong call. They were left battling for minimal points, while Marquez and Bagnaia continued to control the race at the front.
As the laps ticked down, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) emerged as a contender for the podium. The Italian made quick work of Jack Miller to claim third and extend his impressive record at Misano, where he has never missed the podium in MotoGP™. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also put in a stellar performance, charging through the field to take fourth place, though he was unable to close the gap to Bastianini for a shot at the podium.
@VR46
Further back, the fight for fifth was decided in the closing stages. After a tough start, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was in full recovery mode, hunting down Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). In the final laps, Bezzecchi made his move with a daring dive at Turn 14, securing P5 and rounding off a commendable comeback.
Elsewhere, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) enjoyed his best result of the season, taking P7 after a solid duel with Miller. Quartararo’s performance was a rare highlight in a challenging season for Yamaha, with the Frenchman showing glimpses of his former self as he moved up the order late in the race.
When the checkered flag fell, Marquez crossed the line for a stunning victory, his second in as many races. Bagnaia’s second-place finish was more than just a solid result—it was a vital 19-point swing in the Championship standings, allowing him to close the gap to Martin. Bastianini rounded out the podium in third, while Martin was left to rue his decision to gamble on a pit stop, eventually finishing down in 15th.
As the Championship battle heats up, this weekend served as a reminder that strategy can be just as important as speed. With Marquez back in contention and Bagnaia gaining momentum, Jorge Martin will need to regroup quickly if he hopes to hold onto his lead in the title fight.
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