VIENNA — Marc Marquez has yet to conquer the Austrian Grand Prix, having been denied victory by a red Ducati on three separate occasions. But the Spaniard is confident that 2025 could finally break the streak.
The multiple world champion, who enjoyed his title-winning years with Honda, finished runner-up at the Red Bull Ring three years in a row between 2017 and 2019 — twice behind Andrea Dovizioso and once behind Jorge Lorenzo, both riding Ducatis at the time.
Marquez has not stood on the Austrian Grand Prix podium since 2019, but he returns from the summer break with a commanding 120-point lead over his brother Alex in the championship standings. The Ducati star is now targeting his ninth victory of the season as he looks to extend his dominance in the title race.
“It was super close for many years here in Austria. I always lose against red bikes, with the amazing Dovizioso and amazing Lorenzo. But now I’m riding that red bike! So, let’s see if we can fight for the victory,” Marquez said.
“Of course, starting the second part of the season with a 120-point advantage, the only one that can lose the championship is you.
“I will need to control myself in some races because you cannot be the fastest out there in every session, every practice and every race,” Marquez added according to Reuters.
“I will need to control myself in some races”
Although Marquez has the strongest bike on the grid, so does his teammate Francesco Bagnaia who is unbeaten in Austria since 2022.
“He won the last three years here, so I believe he will be fast,” Marquez said.
“He brakes super hard and it’s one of the circuits why he won a lot, because the brake point is super important.”
With his younger brother, Alex Marquez, sidelined by a long lap penalty this weekend, the competition is fierce, but the spotlight is intensely fixed on Bagnaia.
“I am focusing more this weekend on Bagnaia,” Marquez revealed, acknowledging the formidable competition. After claiming victory at the Red Bull Ring for the past three years, Bagnaia’s mastery of the track makes him a formidable adversary.
“He brakes super hard, and at this circuit, it is why he wins a lot, because the braking is super important,” Marquez noted, underscoring the tactical nuances that could define the race.
Bagnaia, however, has struggled with the braking on the GP25 bike and sits third in the standings – 168 points behind Marquez – with one win all season.
The twice MotoGP champion spent the break watching races from seasons past to understand why he has struggled this year.
“I’m looking forward to finding back my speed and fighting for wins because I rewatched many races from last year and the previous year, seeing how competitive I was in the fight, following others, overtaking, braking super hard,” he said.
“And watching this season, I was a completely different Pecco – nothing comparable. So, I want to change this thing and be similar to last year.”
Marc’s team-mate Bagnaia, who started second, faded from his position on the front row following an average start. He was stationed behind Quartararo on lap six, but that’s when he lost his position to Fabio di Giannantonio on the Ducati.
Di Giannantonio then held station to come home fourth ahead of Bagnaia. Sixth was Maverick Vinales, with Fermin Aldeguer seventh following a long lap penalty for track limits.
