Alex Marquez’s run of scoring points in every 2025 MotoGP race came to a frustrating halt at the French Grand Prix after two costly crashes on Sunday — ending what had been a promising weekend for the Gresini Ducati rider.
Fresh off a second-place finish in Saturday’s Sprint and sitting second in the championship, Alex opted for what he called “the least risky option” by switching to slick tyres before the delayed main race restart. Thirteen riders — including both Marquez brothers — made the same move, but worsening rain forced a second bike swap and triggered a double long-lap penalty for all involved.
Despite the early chaos, Alex fought back into podium contention and was running comfortably in third behind Johann Zarco and Marc Marquez. But with just six laps remaining, a highside at Turn 11 sent him flying.
“The first crash hurts me a bit,” Alex said. “I was really comfortable in third. Maybe I relaxed, went in slower, added a bit more lean angle and suddenly lost the rear.”
Remarkably, he remounted in sixth despite damage to his bike — including a broken screen and missing aerodynamic wings — only to crash again a few laps later while trying to defend his position.
“The second crash, I just need to say sorry to the team,” he admitted. “I rode a bit too optimistic for how the bike was, with no wings. We need to be clearer with the team, with the pit board. There are things to improve, but this will make us stronger.”
The double DNF dropped Alex to third in the standings, 22 points behind brother Marc. However, with Francesco Bagnaia also failing to finish on Sunday, Alex still holds a 29-point advantage over the factory Ducati star.
Rookie team-mate Fermin Aldeguer benefited from the drama, snatching third with a late move on Pedro Acosta for his maiden MotoGP podium.
