Spain’s Alex Marquez celebrates maiden MotoGP in home Grand Prix
MNP – Spain’s Alex Marquez claimed a memorable maiden MotoGP victory in winning the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to take the lead in the overall standings.
The 29-year-old Ducati-Gresini rider came home clear of 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha — his first podium in a year-and-a-half — with Francesco Bagnaia third on a Ducati.
Marquez leads his brother Marc by a point after the older sibling slid off early in the race but battled back to finish in the points.
They are the first brothers to win MotoGP’s and it was the 200th time a Spanish rider has won in the category.
“It was the best birthday present to win in Jerez, it is something amazing,” said Marquez, who turned 29 last Wednesday.
“I cannot ask for more. The race I was largely really clever apart from the beginning when I attacked too much.
“I raced perfectly after that,” added a grinning Marquez, who had launched himself over the barrier and into the mechanics arms on dismounting from his bike.
Although it is still Yamaha’s longest run without a win, Quartararo was delighted after a superb weekend, taking pole and then an impressive second spot.
