A historic tenth victory at the Sachsenring – but something was missing for Marc Marquez

Marc Márquez has once again made the Sachsenring his personal stronghold. The Ducati factory rider won the German Grand Prix in commanding fashion, finishing around two seconds ahead of Trackhouse Aprilia rider Ai Ogura, thereby celebrating his tenth MotoGP victory at the historic circuit near Hohenstein-Ernstthal – a record that is unrivalled in the premier class.

Even more remarkable, however, is the turn of events in the title race. Just over a month ago, following a difficult start to the season, Marquez was still more than 100 points behind the championship leader. With strong performances at Balaton Park, Brno, Assen and now at the Sachsenring, the Spaniard has reduced the gap to just 18 points and is once again right in the thick of the battle for the world title.

The favourite secured the maximum number of points

“I’m absolutely delighted. It was a special weekend for me. I was very focused,” Marquez explained after the race. As early as Thursday, he had known that the Sachsenring would play a key role in the title race. “I said that I’d have to attack here if I wanted to still have a chance in the World Championship. And we attacked. We have to go for it when we’re strong. We’ve shown that in recent races. It’s something special to celebrate my tenth MotoGP victory here. That’s a really special milestone.”

When asked about the significance of this special victory, the Spaniard added: “A win is a win, but this one definitely ranks among the top 10.” That said, the race didn’t go quite as smoothly as his lead might suggest. Marquez initially pulled away, but then had to ease off the pace briefly.

Momentary doubts: Márquez struggled with the front tyre

“I was pushing hard at the start, but then I felt that the front tyre was at its limit. It felt strange. I didn’t know if I was experiencing graining on the front tyre or what was going on,” he explained. “I eased off a bit. That was when the group managed to close the gap on me slightly. After that, I realised what was wrong with the front and really went for it.”

The second surge in pace ultimately decided the race. “With that second attack, I opened up the gap. If you’ve got a lead of one or one and a half seconds on this track, it’s not easy for the others to make up that deficit.”

Why the winner wasn’t entirely happy on Sunday

Despite his anniversary victory, Marquez wasn’t entirely happy. His brother Alex was forced to retire early following a crash in the final corner. Following his heavy crash at Montmeló and missing the race weekends at Mugello, Balaton Park and Brno, the Gresini rider had fought his way back impressively, but the special livery for the Sachsenring GP didn’t bring the runner-up in the world championship any luck.

Willkommen zum Rennen am Sachsenring

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Grid Girls

Foto: Gold & Goose

Jorge Martin

Foto: Gold & Goose

Fans

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Paddock

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Paddock

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Fabio Di Giannantonio

Foto: Gold & Goose

Start des Rennens

Foto: Gold & Goose

Start des Rennens

Foto: Gold & Goose

Blick auf die Strecke

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Fabio Quartararo

Foto: Gold & Goose

Alex Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Martin und Bagnaia

Foto: Gold & Goose

Fans

Foto: Gold & Goose

Fernández und Ogura

Foto: Gold & Goose

Pedro Acosta

Foto: Gold & Goose

Paddock

Foto: Gerhard Schiel

Luca Marini

Foto: Gold & Goose

Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Pecco Bagnaia

Foto: Gold & Goose

Binder und Moreira

Foto: Gold & Goose

Marc Márquez gewinnt das Rennen

Foto: Gold & Goose

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Ai Ogura, Marc Márquez, Raúl Fernández

Foto: Gold & Goose

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

Willkommen zum Rennen am Sachsenring

© Gerhard Schiel

“Ten wins at a single circuit in MotoGP are, of course, impressive. I’m really happy. To be honest, though, I’m not entirely satisfied, because I would have liked to see Alex on the podium,” admitted Marc. “I saw how hard he worked after the race at Montmeló. That was really impressive. I didn’t expect that. Yes, he’s a hard worker, but this time he’s gone even further.”

The title defence is within Marquez’s grasp once again

Looking ahead to the rest of the title fight, Marquez is following a clear strategy. “We’ll try to attack when I’m feeling good. And on difficult tracks, we’ll just try to survive.” However, he still sees himself as the decisive factor. “If we want to fight for the championship, I need to improve the situation with my right arm. That’s my only weakness. I’ll have a bit of a rest during the summer break. Mentally, I need that. But I have to work very hard on the weaknesses in my right arm. Sometimes I’m just riding and can’t play with the bike and my body.”

Sieger Marc Márquez

Foto: Gold & Goose

The fact that Márquez is even in a position to fight for the title again was almost unimaginable just a few weeks ago. The start of the season was frustrating for the Spaniard before the cause of his problems was identified. “The first races of the season were a nightmare. I couldn’t enjoy it because I didn’t understand what was going on,” recalled the Ducati rider. “Since the issue with the nerve in my arm was sorted out, everything’s been working well. I don’t have as much strength as I’d like yet. But I’ve got a good feeling and can sense what’s happening.”

With his tenth MotoGP victory at the Sachsenring, Marquez has impressively continued his comeback. In the title race, the six-time MotoGP world champion is back within striking distance of the Aprilia riders at the top, just in time for the summer break.