Can we, in MotoGP, be friends in life and even very close brothers when we can find ourselves fighting tooth and nail in a merciless duel on the day of a Grand Prix? Carmelo Ezpeleta pointed out: if he hopes to witness great battles on the track, he does not want cockfights in the barnyard of the closed park. And the facts prove him right: once the checkered flag is lowered, the drivers discuss and congratulate each other on occasion. But before that, there is no friend or brother that matters. Maverick Viñales and Alex Marquez remind us in their own way…
There was a time not so long ago when it was fashionable to hate your opponent in competition, readily referred to as “the enemy”. On the track, in the paddock or in private, a note of sympathy was forbidden. It was the time of Carl Fogarty but also Valentino Rossi and other Jorge Lorenzo. Now, the atmosphere is more subdued, polite, with even signs of affection. A hypocrisy according to Alberto puig which also knew the other times, but rather a good brand image according to Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of promoter Dorna.
And those interested, what do they think? Let us be reassured: they clearly discern what is happening on the airside and elsewhere. Maverick Vinales speaks thus of his friend Aleix Espargaró, who is also his teammate at Aprilia because he went to get it back once Yamaha had kicked him out… For that alone, there is recognition from Top Gun: “ I always offered my help to try to help him and Aprilia win the title " remember Casa Particular in Viñales about the 2022 season. Especially when it comes to giving opinions that might help them. I think we did a great job throughout the year ».
Alex Marquez: “ he's my brother, but I want to beat him in MotoGP«
He adds in an interview with Motorbike Magazine relayed by motorcyclesports, the role of the eldest I will espargaro in his daily life: on a personal level, he is a friend to me. Of course there are no friends on the track, but outside, there are some. We have spent a lot of time together, we met a long time ago, we have cycled many times… We share other passions, and it is also important to take a short break from time to time to relax » he says about his relationship with the man who was also his teammate during his debut at Suzuki.
And between brothers, does this compartmentalization work? At the Marquez, it seems so. Alex the youngest has already warned about his ambition regarding his illustrious elder Marc : “ I told him that the Ducati is different. He's my brother, but I want to defeat him “, said the 26-year-old pilot. But if that happens, the consequences would be felt well beyond the family circle... “Honda is the team he has always ridden with. They always waited for him and respected him when he got injured,” said the younger of the two brothers Marquez. " But if the bike is not suitable for the World Championship, a change could be possible ". This will be one of the many challenges that a 2023 season has in store for us, which promises to be epic.
