In 2020, the racing world witnessed the debut of Alex Marquez in MotoGP. The young rider entered the premier class with the factory Honda squad, replacing the legendary Jorge Lorenzo. Marquez had already achieved success in the Moto2 championship, clinching the title in 2019. However, his journey to MotoGP was not without its hurdles. In a recent documentary, Marquez revealed that he had the opportunity to stay in Moto2 for 2020 and then make the leap to the highly regarded Petronas SRT team in 2021. This move was contingent on Fabio Quartararo’s promotion to the factory Yamaha squad. Unfortunately, Yamaha blocked this move, citing their unresolved past with the Marquez family.
The rivalry between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez has been well-documented in MotoGP history. In 2015, during the Malaysian Grand Prix, Rossi accused Marquez of interfering with his championship ambitions. This feud escalated when the pair collided during the race, leading to Rossi’s subsequent penalty. The incident left a lasting impact on Yamaha’s perception of the Marquez family. When the opportunity arose for Alex Marquez to make the transition to MotoGP, Yamaha vehemently opposed it, stating that “no member of the Marquez family can be in Yamaha.” This personal vendetta prevented Marquez from joining the Petronas SRT team and forced him to explore other options.
Razlan Razali, former team boss of SRT and RNF, shed light on the situation. He confirmed that a deal was in place for Marquez to join SRT in Moto2 for one year, followed by a promotion to MotoGP in 2021. Alex Marquez and his brother, Marc, even signed the contract in August 2019. However, Yamaha’s unwavering stance hindered the progression of the young rider. Despite the disappointment, Marquez remained resilient and focused on his goals.
For the 2021 season, Alex Marquez found a new home at LCR Honda. This move offered him a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase his talent in a different environment. Interestingly, the seat at SRT that was initially earmarked for Marquez went to none other than Valentino Rossi, the very rider who had stood in his way. The irony was not lost on the racing community.
Looking ahead to the future, Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez will be teammates once again in the 2023 season. Marc Marquez will join the Gresini Ducati team after ending his longstanding partnership with Honda prematurely. The brothers will have the chance to support and push each other to new heights in the premier class.
Alex Marquez’s journey in MotoGP has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. From his debut with Honda to the roadblocks imposed by Yamaha, he has faced numerous challenges along the way. Yet, Marquez’s determination and passion for the sport have never wavered. As he embarks on a new chapter with Gresini Ducati, all eyes will be on him to see how he rises to the occasion. The 2023 MotoGP season promises to be an exciting one, with the Marquez brothers ready to leave their mark on the sport once again.
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