MotoGP Austria, Marquez settles in the Sprint
In the end, it can go well like this for Marc Marquez. The world champion finishes the Red Bull Ring Sprint in second place, behind an unstoppable Jorge Martin, well aware that in race pace he was slower not only than the Aprilia rider but also Pedro Acosta. Instead, the Tiburón throws it away with a costly mistake at the turn-2 chicane three laps from the end, giving points to the two compatriots.
Read more GP Austria 2026, the Sprint report
Marquez “thanks” Acosta, but he is aware that tomorrow will require more. Because, incredible to say until 24 hours ago, for Ducati it seems even the podium is in question on a track where it has been the undisputed dominator since 2016.
Marquez’s words
“We are giving 100% and today my goal was clear: to finish just behind Martin. I knew Acosta and Martin were faster than me and I didn’t want Pedro to come between me and Jorge. So, finishing second and third or first and second satisfied me“, this is Marquez’s comment to Sky Sport MotoGP. “Tomorrow will be a very long race, with the rear tire deteriorating. I will have to watch out for Bezzecchi and Ogura, who have a pace more similar to mine. Acosta and Martin are currently stronger than me“.
What makes the difference in the fight with Martin are two aggressive overtakes. The first move is made by Marquez himself at turn 2 on the first lap, taking advantage of a slip by number 89. Which then returns the favor a few laps later after a stunning comeback: “You have to start decisively and I did. I attacked at turn 2 because I knew you could go on the green at turn 1 on the first lap“.
With today’s result, Marquez loses the World Championship lead to Martin. The two are now three points apart, with Marco Bezzecchi going to -38 from his teammate.
Read more Martin returns ahead of everyone in qualifying: “I enjoyed the pole”
