The world of MotoGP continues to be a whirlwind of emotions in this 2025 season, and Alex Márquez, the younger of the Márquez brothers, has once again put the spotlight on a race that had everyone on the edge of their seats. During the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, the Gresini Racing team rider offered a harrowing account of the moment he saw his older brother, Marc Márquez, crash in the middle of the battle for the podium. His words, full of tension and reflection, have unleashed a wave of speculation among fans: what really happened at Turn 10? And why can Alex no longer attack Pecco Bagnaia like he used to?
“Before Marc crashed, I was lucky behind Pecco at Turn 10 and had a difficult moment where I almost lost control,” Alex confessed in the post-race press conference. “When I saw Marc crash, I told myself once again that I had to be very careful. I felt uncomfortable. I just focused on defending my position from Diggia, and that’s what I did.” This testimony not only reveals the intensity of the race, but also the emotional weight Alex carries every time he shares the track with his brother, a living legend with eight world titles.
The incident occurred on lap ten, when Marc, in the midst of a comeback after a difficult start, attempted a risky overtake on championship leader Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. Turn 10, known for its technical demands, was the scene of a spectacular crash: the front wheel of Marc’s Honda lost grip, and the rider ended up in the gravel, leaving the Japanese fans with their hearts in their mouths. Alex, riding just behind in fourth place, had to react in milliseconds to avoid chaos. “I saw everything in front of me,” he explained. “It was a reminder of how quickly everything can change in MotoGP.”
But beyond the family drama, Alex’s words have sparked an unexpected debate: why couldn’t he attack Bagnaia after that moment? In previous years, the younger Márquez had displayed an aggressive style, especially against rivals like Pecco, with whom he has had memorable duels. However, at Motegi, his focus shifted drastically toward defending against Fabio Di Giannantonio (“Diggia”), rather than going after the Ducati rider. “Wow, you can’t attack Pecco anymore? Did they change your bike? SABOTAAAA …
The 2025 season has been challenging for Alex. After a promising 2024 with Gresini, where he achieved two sprint race victories, expectations were high. However, the new Ducati Desmosedici GP25, although competitive, doesn’t seem to suit his style entirely. “It’s no secret that this year’s bike is more demanding on corner entry,” admitted Alex. “Pecco and Marc have a unique ability to tame it, but I need more time.” This difference could explain his caution in Japan: while Bagnaia flew to victory, Alex opted to secure points rather than risk another crash.
The contrast between the Márquez brothers adds another layer of intrigue. Marc, now in his second season with Gresini after leaving Repsol Honda, remains a predator on the track, willing to risk everything for a win. Alex, on the other hand, has adopted a more calculating approach, aware that his future in MotoGP depends on consistency. “I don’t want to make stupid mistakes,” he said. “Marc can afford it because he’s already won everything. I’m still building my path.”
The Japanese Grand Prix ended with Bagnaia on top of the podium, followed by Enea Bastianini and a surprising Diggia in third. Alex crossed the finish line in fourth place, a solid result but one that left some fans wanting more. “Sabotage? No, just smart racing,” Alex replied with a smile when pressed on the subject. However, social media quickly exploded with conspiracy theories: Is Gresini prioritizing Marc? Or is Ducati controlling the game from behind the scenes?
With the championship entering its decisive phase, Alex Márquez has a golden opportunity to prove he’s not just “Marc’s brother.” His next stop, the Thai Grand Prix, will be key to silencing the skeptics and, perhaps, rediscovering that killer instinct that made him shine in Moto2. Meanwhile, fans will continue to debate: was it caution or something else that held Alex back at Motegi? One thing is certain: in MotoGP, every corner tells a story, and the Márquez’s is far from over.
