The Marquez brothers and the Ducati riders were once again the centre of attention on Friday at Misano, creating two tense situations on the track. First, Marc Marquez found himself in a close duel with Marco Bezzecchi during practice for the San Marino Grand Prix. Bezzecchi, clearly annoyed, even turned his head to stare at Marquez who was overtaking him on the inside. A gesture that speaks volumes about the mood in the paddock.
But that was not all. Alex Marquez then rubbed shoulders with Enea Bastianini, creating another tense situation. bastianini, factory driver Ducati, shook his head disapprovingly after being overtaken by the younger Marquez. A clear sign of frustration at the dangerous proximity of his opponent.
These moments of tension come at a time when the pressure within Ducati is at its peak. The controversial accident in Aragon, which saw Alex Marquez et Francis Bagnaia clinging, still hovers over people's minds. bagnaia, under pressure, had to apologize for accusing Marquez an intentional gesture, but the apology only highlighted the internal fractures.
That "too-close-for-comfort" look between Bez and @marcmarquez93 👀#SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲 pic.twitter.com/sOsrsJTW1A
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 6, 2024
Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez has been officially warned by the stewards
The presence of eight drivers in Desmosedici on the grid adds a layer of complexity. Marc Marquez, who will join the official team Ducati next year already seems to upset the established order, while Jorge Martin, bastianini et Bezzecchi know that they will soon leave the Italian structure.
The policy of Ducati could well influence the rest of the weekend Misano. Despite his injuries from Aragon, bagnaia dominated Friday's free practice, but Marc Marquez, lying in ambush, was only a few hundredths behind. Tensions are not about to ease.
Shaking his head after that encounter 🫨@ Bestia23 was not too happy with @ alexmarquez73 here 💢 #SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲 pic.twitter.com/qFKqnsgTVk
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 6, 2024
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