Marc Marquez was on track to go three weekends undefeated but that feat all came to an end after a crash midway through the Americas Grand Prix. Marquez had built up a 2 second lead out front but on lap 9 of the race through turn 4 Marquez got a bit to far onto the curbing which were known to be wet from rain earlier in the day. Marques slid out and Bagnaia took the lead and never looked back.
Marquez ended up retiring for the race because the damage to his bike severely compromised performance. He said “It was obviously a big mistake, because I had the race under control I was managing the gap, but I cut the corner at turn five a bit too much and lost the front. Was it a disaster? Yes, it was, but we’re human and sometimes we make mistakes. The good thing is that we’re still very close to the top of the standings, so we keep going. We’ll have the same approach in Qatar, trying to understand how to interpret the track the best way. Last year, I had my first racing weekend with Ducati there, and it went well. The good thing is that I know the reason behind my crash – the way I cut the corner; I’m sorry for the team but tomorrow is a new day and the start of a new week.”
Bagnaia was well off the pace of Marquez but with the crash he inherited the win. “I’m really happy; it’s a special feeling to be back atop the podium after what wasn’t the easiest of times,” said Bagnaia. I knew I had to be patient, as the feeling was not ideal, but we started this weekend in a good way as we built upon the progress made in Argentina. It’s clear that Marc was stronger today, too, but the conditions were tricky, and the curbs were really wet, especially the one at turn five, which I had noticed already during the warm up lap. After his crash, I tried to pull away and it wasn’t easy, as Alex (Márquez) had a great pace. Winning is what keeps you going, especially when you miss that taste that you had many times before. It’s fantastic.”
Alex Marquez continued his run of second place finishes which allowed him to pass his brother in the championship standings. Alex Marquez took over the championship lead by one point ahead of Marc Marquez.
5 riders did not finish the race.
Grand Prix of the Americas Results