Álex Márquez recovers for virtual home podium

Rapid adaption to the new MotoGP 2020 video game saw Álex Márquez start on the middle of the front row for the 13-lap Red Bull Virtual GP of Spain with team-mate Marc Márquez further down the order than usual on the third row. Both were confident in their pace as the lights went out on the third virtual race of the year.

Turn One was once again a messy affair, but a great start aboard the RC213V saw Álex lead out of the opening corner. He and Francesco Bagnaia duked it out for much of the first lap until an uncharacteristic mistake from Álex at Turn 10. Quickly remounting, Álex charged forward and picked his way through the field. By lap four, the MotoGP rookie was in second – where he would eventually finish the race as a second fall ended his chance of winning. The result moves Alex to be joint leader of the championship.

Able to make up several positions off the line, Marc Márquez found himself in and amongst the top five immediately. With Álex’s crash ahead, Marc was again battling for the podium and spent much of the race duking it out with Viñales. The pair were soon joined by Marc’s Repsol Honda Team team-mate and the reigning World Champion looked for an opening. Late antics with Petrucci saw Marquez drop back to fourth and collect strong points for the championship.

Leaving their home round with another podium and double-top five finish has the Repsol Honda Team pleased with the opening rounds of the virtual season.