Marc Marquez admitted that his MotoGP rivals have handed him a "present" after taking the championship lead at the San Marino Grand Prix. The factory Ducati rider stormed to victory at Misano on Sunday after polesitter Marco Bezzecchi crashed out on the opening lap, a costly blow for the Italian.
This marked Marquez's fifth grand prix victory in seven races, putting him level on points with Aprilia's Jorge Martin but ahead on countback thanks to more wins. It's a remarkable comeback from a 102-point deficit.
Since returning from injury at Mugello eight races ago, Marquez has been impressive, with his speed, experience, and technical astuteness giving him a decisive edge. But he doesn't hesitate to admit that mistakes from his rivals - particularly Aprilia duo Bezzecchi and Martin - have helped him overturn the deficit in just over three months.
"I was ready to ride at Mugello, not at 100%, but it was also to prepare to have some chance to win races. I was not thinking about the championship because it was not in my hands," Marquez said. "It's true that the opponents give me the present. And when I tasted that present, it was sweet. So I'm trying to take the maximum profit from my riding style, from my bike and from my team."
In June, Marquez was eighth in the championship, less than half the points of Bezzecchi, who led comfortably after winning four of the first seven grands prix. But the tide turned at Balaton Park: as Marquez returned to winning ways, Aprilia riders faltered. Martin triggered a multi-bike crash, Bezzecchi was banned for hitting a marshal, and further injuries and a drop in form for VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio gave Marquez a decisive edge.
At Misano, a fierce duel between Marquez and Bezzecchi was anticipated. However, the Italian's mistake at Turn 13 eliminated a major contender. "On that first lap, it's difficult to say. We are riding at the limit. In sector three, Marco was gaining three tenths during all weekend," Marquez said. "The race would have been different if I had to fight with Bezzecchi all the way to the finish."
With strong performances and a bit of luck, Marquez now leads the championship. But he knows the season is long and his rivals will fight back. One thing is clear: the sweet present from his rivals has changed the landscape of this MotoGP title race.
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