Jorge Martin and Fabio Quatararo have come to the defense of Marc Marquez over the controversial bike change that sealed his MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix sprint victory.
MotoGP’s first wet-weather sprint race featured one of the most exciting races in the format’s history. Marc Marquez claimed victory despite falling from his bike in the middle of the race.
His strength to get back on the bike and carry on until the checkered flag was applauded by everyone in the crowd, but the reason for his return to the circuit raised some questions.
Should Marc Marquez have been penalized for cutting his way to the pits after crashing in the Jerez sprint?
With rain intensifying, the factory Ducati star cut grass at the exit of Turn 13 to return to the Bologna Bullets garages and switch to his pre-prepared wet-weather bike.
Interestingly, MotoGP chose not to punish Marquez for his actionsIt sparked a huge debate on social media as well as among those in the premier class paddock.
Jorge Martin and Fabio Quatararo defend Marc Marquez’s bike change at Spanish GP Sprint
Ahead of his post-Spanish GP Sprint race media stint, Jorge Martin was asked for his thoughts on the race. He detailed problems with the front brakes that forced him into an early retirement.
Said through. Moto.it“During the warm-up, I felt something in the front. At first, I thought I needed to get a better feel for the bike.
“Then I was going hard during the race, but when I braked into the first corner, I couldn’t stop and realized something was wrong, so I decided to pull over.
One thing I’ve learned from past seasons is to stay calm in these situations, and now my focus is on how I can improve tomorrow. I feel good, but there is always room for improvement.
Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia score Ducati’s first 1-2 at the Spanish GP Sprint in 2026 – but who is the race rider? 🏆
He was asked about Marquez’s controversial approach to the pit lane following the crash on lap 13. The Spaniard appeared to have cut the grass to switch to his wet weather bike but managed to escape punishment.
Martin said, “I think he did what he felt was right, and I would have done the same, and to come down and win was amazing.”
In the year The 2024 winner’s sentiment was supported by Fabio Quattararo, who, according to MotoGP journalist Simon Patterson, Xsaid the same thing when asked about it by the media pen.
In the French’s case, it was a more encouraging result as he took the checkered flag on P7. However, rather than the speed of the Yamaha prototype, it is clear that he was rewarded for his quick thinking in the face of uncertainty.
Receive competition news and updates twice a week to your mailbox


