Another phenomenal front-row performance from Marc Marquez was converted into a safe seventh place in a tense Sprint at the Italian GP.
Marc Marquez’s incredible run of Qualifying form continued as the eight-time World Champion produced his third front row from three appearances. As just one of two riders under the 1’45 barrier, Marquez was only bested by home hero Francesco Bagnaia with 0.078s splitting the pair. The performance surprised even Marquez himself, who was delighted with the front row.
Weather forecasts and dark clouds had loomed overhead for much of the day at the Autodromo Internazionale Del Mugello and spints of rain would make a brief appearance in the Sprint race. Defending an early attack from Jack Miller into Turn 1, Marquez held onto his second place as the 11-lap Sprint began. Spots of localized rain in the opening laps would bunch up the top ten and send the Italian crowd into a frenzy as they battled.
A small moment of contact between Miller and Marquez saw the #93 run wide, losing touch with the top five and settling in to chase down Miller in the battle for sixth. Less than 0.2s split the pair as they crossed the line, Marquez taking seventh place and content with the result which matched his pre-race predictions.
Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team will have another chance to battle around the 5.5 kilometres of the Mugello circuit on Sunday, June 11 as the Gran Premio d’Italia is scheduled for 14:00 Local Time.