Marc Marquez declares 'it's time to take risks' after Bezzecchi blow
Marquez hasn't led at a circuit where he's used to doing (Credit: Ducati)
13:10, 29 Aug
0 Comments
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Marc Marquez is ready to start racing on the edge again after losing out in Aragon to Marco Bezzecchi.
The nine-time champion is usually unbeatable at the Spanish track, but was topped by his Italian title rival in practice and qualifying.
Bezzecchi will start from pole position despite struggling with a knee injury, making a huge title statement after his mid-season struggles.
For Marquez, it’s a new challenge to ponder, as he appeared to be in the ascendancy with three wins in four races.
The Spaniard is also struggling with shoulder pain, but is expected not to have such issues at anti-clockwise circuits like Aragon.
ADVERTISEMENT
As such, he signalled a change in strategy post-session.
Marquez: Bezzecchi is now the benchmark
“Marco has better pace,” he said in the media pen. “Sometimes you try to push to the limit, but still, yes, Marco is showing a very high level here.
“Not forgetting Alex [Marquez, third], who is also very explosive in those first laps, but it's clear that the benchmark at the moment is Bezzecchi.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It's time to take risks, but it's not the time for everything or anything. Obviously, in racing you always take risks and there are all sorts of moments, but it's not the time yet to throw everything away.
“If, for whatever reason, as we're seeing this weekend, Marco is faster, then we'll try to make things difficult for him.”
Marquez prepared to take risks in Bezzecchi battle
He added: “I was keen to be on pole, but well, when there's a faster rider, you have to accept it, but not before trying.
“We tried it, and I saw that I was running a little wide, and also that he was a bit faster. I kept pushing, and I was ready because I knew a crash or a save was possible. In this case, it was a save in a slow corner.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It's been a positive weekend because I'm feeling good, but there's a rider who's a little faster than us, and that's Bezzecchi."
Bezzecchi himself was pleased with his performance, but admitted his shoulder and knee pain will likely have a bigger impact during the sprint and feature race.
Bezzecchi explains injury concern for Aragon races
He commented: “I'm happy. I managed two out of three laps.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It's a shame I messed up a bit on the last one in Turn 4, because I moved around too much on the bike and couldn't shift up as needed.
“Both this morning and today, we've done a good job. My shoulder is fine, it's my knee that's bothering me the most; I can do a single lap without problems, it doesn't affect me... for the sprint, we'll see.
“Marc is incredibly strong in terms of race pace. It won't be an easy race. Both he and Álex are flying, but there are many others starting from the second row who are also incredibly fast. It won't be simple, but we'll try to give it our all.”
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
Italian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
10:30 AM
Practice 2
02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
Fri 10:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Verstappen did not surprise Stroll: ‘I assume that helped’
1899 times read
2
F1 Today | Ferrari told to prioritize Hamilton, Kelly Piquet shares emotional message
1798 times read
3
Ferrari told to back Hamilton over Leclerc to have an 'impact on title battle'
908 times read
4
MotoGP Friday practice results: Bezzecchi delivers record-breaking title warning
346 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 242 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 183 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 183 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 159 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 155 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 112 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 104 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 68 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 49 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 44 |
Loading
