Marc Marquez Embraces Brotherly Rivalry at Thailand Grand Prix
Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP champion, has taken the highs and lows of sibling rivalry in stride during the 2025 MotoGP season. At the Thailand Grand Prix practice session, Alex Marquez, Marc’s younger brother and a rider for Gresini Racing, outpaced him by a mere 0.052 seconds. Despite the slim margin, Marc’s reaction was a blend of competitive spirit and familial pride. "Of course if somebody beats you, you are never happy, but if it’s your brother, it’s okay,” Marc quipped. “I’m happy for him. He is riding super good, already in pre-season he was riding in a very good way."
A Consistent Performer
Alex Marquez has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the track, starting from the first day he rode the championship-winning GP24 bike in November’s Barcelona test. He set the pace at the Catalan Grand Prix venue and topped the timesheets at Sepang during pre-season testing in February. Even during the two days of testing at Buriram, Alex closely matched Marc’s performance, finishing in second place and showing strong overall potential. Marc Marquez is now confident that Alex will not only be a genuine contender for podiums but also for victories. "It won’t be the last time he will beat me this year. He’s fast and I expect him to fight for the podiums – and why not also for some victories. It will be super nice.”
A Resilient Journey
Alex Marquez’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and a steady improvement. During his second season at Ducati in 2024, Alex secured a podium finish at Sachsenring, his highlight of a campaign that saw him finish a career-best eighth in the standings. His new two-year deal with Gresini Racing has provided him with the stability and confidence needed to push his performance further. The switch to the GP24 bike, which suits his riding style more than previous generations of the Desmosedici, has been a crucial factor. Alex emphasized a key trait of the bike: “It’s a bike that when you are pushing more and more, it’s better and better. When you are slow you have more problems, when you are faster, it looks like it is a bike that gives you more and more confidence. This is something super great.”
Bridging the Gap
While Alex Marquez has shown significant speed, he acknowledges that there are still areas where he needs to catch up, particularly in long-run pace. Marc Marquez’s race simulation during the Buriram test set a high bar, and although Alex’s own long run was affected by issues, he is not lapping at the same pace as his elder brother. “We have the speed, we need the consistency. We need to improve the race pace. Marc is super fast at that point and we need to be more close to him,” Alex stated. He plans to work on analyzing Marc’s data to identify areas where he can make improvements. Qualifying on the front row is a key goal for Alex, as it will be crucial for both the sprint race and the main event, especially considering the intense heat conditions in Buriram.
A Family Affair
The Marquez brothers’ rivalry on the track has added a unique dynamic to the 2025 MotoGP season. Their mutual respect and support are evident, underscoring the importance of family in their careers. Marc’s acknowledgment of Alex’s potential and his pride in his brother’s achievements highlight the positive aspect of their competition. For Alex, the opportunity to race against his brother, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport, serves as both a challenge and a motivation. “I have the confidence that when I put all the things together [it will work well],” Alex said. “To be on the front row will be the key for the sprint and especially also for the long race.”
Looking Forward
As the Thailand Grand Prix unfolds, the Marquez brothers will continue to push each other to their limits. The competitive spirit and family bond they share make for an intriguing subplot in the world of MotoGP. With Alex’s impressive performances and Marc’s legendary status, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a memorable one for both riders and fans alike. The coming races will undoubtedly provide more thrilling moments and perhaps even more sibling showdowns, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable MotoGP season.
