Talk surrounding Marc Marquez potentially struggling at this weekend’s Qatar MotoGP has come under scrutiny, with experts pushing back against what they call an overblown narrative.
On the latest Crash MotoGP podcast, analysts highlighted how some fans and pundits are prematurely doubting Marquez’s form after his crash from the lead at the Circuit of the Americas, where he looked dominant before his fall. That incident allowed teammate Pecco Bagnaia to secure his first win of the season.
Despite claims that Qatar favors Bagnaia, both riders have a history of success at Lusail. Marquez holds five podiums and one win there, while Bagnaia has three podiums and one win.
Podcast host Lewis Duncan emphasized that Bagnaia’s peak form usually arrives after the Jerez round and its post-race test:
“I don’t believe we’ll see a big dramatic turnaround where Pecco dominates Qatar… Marquez was 2.2s ahead at COTA before crashing. He wasn’t exactly under pressure.”
Co-host Jordan Moreland echoed the sentiment, dismissing doubts about Marquez:
“I don’t get this narrative where people think Marquez will forget how to ride a bike around Qatar, I think he will be fine!”
Currently, Alex Marquez leads the 2025 MotoGP standings heading into Qatar after an incredibly consistent start—finishing second in every sprint and race across the opening three rounds. Marc Marquez trails by just one point due to the COTA crash, while Bagnaia is 12 points behind but carries growing momentum.
With Round 4 at Lusail just around the corner, all eyes are on whether the Marquez brothers will continue their charge or if Bagnaia will begin to close the gap.
