Alex Marquez admits he’s baffled by the secret move behind Marc’s Jerez Sprint triumph

Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

Gresini’s Alex Marquez has admitted he still can’t wrap his head around how Ducati rider Marc Marquez always finds an edge in the wet, after his “lucky” Sprint victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Marc clinched his second Sprint win of the 2026 season at Jerez, but luck played a part. While running second behind Alex Marquez, he crashed at the last corner but was able to cut across the track and enter the pit lane as a result.

Even though Marc got off to a quick start and built an early lead, it was Alex who looked stronger once he got past LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco. By halfway through the race, Alex had moved ahead with a clean move around Turn 8.

Rain began to fall shortly after Marc tried to keep pace with Alex, and both riders decided to stay out on slick tyres. The rain worsened quickly, leading to crashes for both: Marc went down at the final corner on Lap 8, followed by Alex at Turn 8 just moments later.

Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

Alex Marquez is puzzled by Marc’s ability to stand out in the wet

Marc Marquez avoided a penalty for cutting across the track at Jerez, as he had already decided to pit for his second bike following his crash. Alex believes his brother benefited from the timing of his fall at the final corner.

While Marc’s result may have involved a bit of good fortune, Alex still recognised that it was another reminder of what makes him such a tough competitor.

“I don’t know how he does it, but every time these conditions are present, he’s there,” Alex said. “So, I don’t believe so much in luck, but in how skilful he is in very difficult situations. But today he did [get lucky].