MotoGP, Argentina Day 3: When Marc Marquez pushes Pecco Bagnaia's head underwater...

This is probably not due to any bad intention towards Pecco Bagnaia and, on the contrary, it is indeed one of respect, admiration and love that has been shown Marc Marquez by sharing his first impressions after the Argentine Grand Prix on the official website MotoGP.com.

But this was addressed to his brother, Alex Marquez, four times 2nd in four races since the start of the season…

"Today, I'm impressed by my brother, by Alex. In one part of the race, I thought I would finish second because he was riding really, really well. He always kept his speed through the corners. I saw that his tire wasn't smoking, I said to myself "OK, this guy is on another level today.", but in the end I survived, I survived. I took a risk, as you saw I took a lot of risks (laughs), maybe too many at certain moments of the race, but yes, I'm happy to come away with 37 points. So yes, we will continue, with a very good atmosphere inside the garage, because Ducati and the team did an incredible job, but also within the family."

Number 93 clarifies: "Today, plan A was not to be behind Alex. My plan was to try to lead the race, the whole race. Even before the race, one of the strong points we have between us is that we are very honest, and I told him "I'm going to try to lead the race. And yes, if you're behind, stay there, and on the 12th or 14th lap, I'll make my attack.". And he said "OK, I'll do the same thing." (laughs). And actually, he was leading the race on the 12th/14th lap, and he went into the small 38s, he did the same strategy. The most important thing is that we are very honest with each other, and yes, we help each other because he's going to win races, more than one, so I will be very happy, and if I win he is happy too."

Still impressed by his brother's current performances, Marc Marquez concludes: "Alex today, I'm very impressed by his riding style. He was very smooth and I'm very happy for him. And I know that when he's confident, he's capable of winning a world championship, like he did in Moto3, like he did in Moto2. So in the end, it is the main competitor or the main opponent for the championship"

Francis Bagnaia, who had already complained about finishing third in the Thai Grand Prix to the point of arousing the comfort of Davide Tardozzi et Luigi Dall'Igna, and who this time did not get on the podium at the Argentine Grand Prix, probably did not need this kind of little phrase from his teammate...

Even if the reasoning is objective in view of the general classification of the championship, was the action voluntary on the part of Marc Márquez ? Probably not, but that probably doesn't really change the effect on his already downcast teammate...