Let's Talk MotoGP: Marc Marquez's Snub

Marc Marquez triumphs again at Misano in MotoGP, three years later. And this time, it was special. As if it were obvious, he got rid of his opponents when it started to rain and was never caught again. His effort almost speaks for itself, but we'll try to analyze it anyway.

A few minutes

 

We're not going to rehash the match: those who read this column have probably already seen the Grand Prix. (Very) short summary: it started to rain, Marquez dropped everyone off. It dried up, no one caught him. What surprised me most about the physiognomy of this race was the speed with which Marc Marquez threw himself in front. It only took a couple of laps once the raindrops hit the Italian circuit; he made some rather daring but legal overtaking moves, and left no chance to a very solid Pecco Bagnaia. The reigning world champion left me with a pretty good impression after this Sunday race.

I think it's in these moments that Marc Marquez's commitment makes sense. On the bike, he's always whole, and sometimes, it doesn't work. But when he succeeds in what he wants to do, it allows him to put himself in very good situations quickly, without having to procrastinate. I maintain that he often struggles to overtake cleanly., but when the context is in his favour, this extreme approach to racing can serve him well. The confidence that inhabited the Gresini driver was visible on our screens. This parameter so often decried – also by me, and I believe, rightly – is also what allows him to hide very average performances on Saturdays since the start of the season.

 

 

A whole symbol

 

You know if you follow this column, I like moments of history.. By triumphing with this livery in homage to the late Fausto Gresini, Marc Marquez has made what Enea Bastianini failed to achieve two years ago, already against Pecco Bagnaia. But this time, as Marquez pointed out in his post-race interview, a little help from heaven helped him. Maybe it was Fausto, who this time really wanted to swing the race in the Spaniard's favour. For Marc Marquez to do this in Italy, in an Italian team, even though he had been booed after his crash on Saturday, I find it a poetic snub.

 

 

And then, let's add to that that it was here that he picked up his last victory with Honda in 2021, just after the fall of Pecco Bagnaia who was then in front of him. Three years later, he finally managed to overtake Pecco. Without realizing it, the two are already linked by a whole bunch of symbols that I find quite strong.

 

Pecco's Class

 

 

As I have stressed many times, I really think that Pecco Bagnaia's humility works against him and his career.. But hey, that's his nature, so he might as well stay natural. In the parc fermé, he could have legitimately said that he hadn't wanted to chase Marquez, that his arm was still hurting after the impressive accident in Aragon. Instead, his first thoughts went straight to Marc Marquez; the Italian congratulated him unreservedly, simply hoping to be in good shape for the second meeting scheduled on the coast in a fortnight.

Even recently, Bagnaia was receiving a wave of hatred following the reactions of the VR46 academy pilots to his accident. I still struggle to understand how such a gifted, humble and natural pilot does not delight more enthusiasts. It's kind of a mystery to me, although I've tried to find reasons for it before.

I can't wait to hear what you thought of Marc Marquez's weekend, and more specifically, his race yesterday! So tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport