Nothing seems to be able to stop Marc Marquez this season. On Saturday at Assen, the Spaniard once again imposed his rule in the Sprint, securing his ninth victory in ten races this year. Alex Marquez, second in the championship and a Gresini driver, delivered a solid race, finishing second behind his brother. A family dynamic that is starting to fuel the debate…
Starting from the second line, the pilot Ducati took off at a lightning speed. By the first turn, he had already overtaken his brother Alex Marquez, his teammate Pecco Bagnaia and the poleman fabio quartararo to settle in the lead.
However, this success was not a foregone conclusion. The day before, Marc had a chaotic Friday, suffering two violent falls—including a spectacular slide into the gravel trap—which left their mark on the body. But true to his reputation, the eight-time world champion gritted his teeth, ignored his pain, and once again demonstrated extraordinary speed, even under pressure.
Because he was under pressure, and it came from... his own brother. Alex Marquez, particularly incisive in right turns, remained in the wheel of Marc throughout the race. On several occasions, he seemed able to launch an attack, particularly in the third sector where he was faster. But he never attempted the decisive overtake.
This choice—or this restraint—set social media and the paddock ablaze. MotoGP fans didn't mince their words. Yes, Alex Marquez must stop holding back when facing Marc ", one supporter said, while another fumed: " the competitiveness of the championship is seriously compromised. Alex just doesn't attack his brother. This is getting ridiculous! »
« Alex Marquez had a chance to fight for the title and decided to play second fiddle to his older brother »
On X (ex-Twitter), the criticism is pouring in: "I understand it's his brother and there's a different level of aggression, but Alex could at least try to pass him. Escorting him to the finish line is sometimes ridiculous." »
Another observer even said he had lost faith in the younger brother. Marquez : " I'm giving up on Alex Marquez. He had a chance to fight for the title and decided to play second fiddle to his older brother. »
It must be said that on paper, Alex Marquez Yet he is having an impressive 2025 season. Consistent as ever, he has finished in the Top 2 of every Sprint and in six of the nine Grands Prix so far. He is second in the championnat, a remarkable performance... but which, in the eyes of many, remains tainted by the impression that he is riding like a "model teammate" rather than a true contender for the title.
« Alex Marquez is second in the championship, but the way he's performing behind his brother, you wouldn't believe it. Make yourself noticed, Alex. You're clearly better than you appear. " wrote another fan.
In the clan Marquez, even the family has its say. Their mother would like that Marc " leave alone " Alex win the title, but the eldest, at 32 years old, has no intention of giving gifts.
Si Alex Marquez wants to win the world crown, sooner or later he will have to take risks, even against his own brother. Because during this time, Marc Marquez continues to widen the gap in the championship, now 43 points ahead of Alex, and 117 on bagnaiaAt this rate, the road to a seventh MotoGP title seems clear for number 93. On this controversy, Alex Marquez commented :« I don't care at all. For now, with the strategy, all I can say is that I'm second in the World Championship and I'm the only one with a chance of winning it. »
MotoGP, Assen: Qualifications
Assen Sprint:
Assen Championship after the Sprint:
