Álex Márquez returned to winning ways with a masterful display in San Marino as Marc Márquez scored his first virtual podium with a scintillating second.
With the times in Qualifying as close as ever, the fourth virtual race of 2020 looked set to be another closer fought affair. As the lights went out, it was Álex Márquez who got the jump into Turn One from second on the grid aboard his Repsol Honda Team RC213V with World Champion Marc Márquez close behind.
The early laps saw Álex fighting with Quartararo and Bagnaia, two of Álex’s consistent rivals for the podium. Bagnaia’s challenge faded early and soon the 2019 Moto2 World Champion was left with just Quartararo behind him. Expert defending kept the French rider behind until in the closing moments when the pair collided and handed the lead to Álex’s team-mate. A hard battle erupting over the final lap between Álex and Marc. It would be Álex Márquez who took the win in a thrilling last corner battle, earning his second of the virtual season. Victory moves to the head of the championship table with 86 points.
Marc Márquez got off to a similarly strong start on the RC213V and remained just off the back of the riders fighting for victory. Saving his tyres, the eight-time World Champion attacked in the closing stages to fight with his new team-mate after a crash between the riders fighting for victory. The second-place finish is Marc’s first virtual podium and sees the Repsol Honda Team become the first team to finish one-two in the virtual series.
MARC MÁRQUEZ – 2nd
“Finally we finished on the podium! It was a really good race and the Misano circuit suited my virtual style a little more. I pushed very hard in the last laps to try and beat Alex but he was just able to get a small advantage. Congratulations to him, it was nice to battle on track. Now we’ll have a big party! First and second is a great result for us and the team.”
ÁLEX MÁRQUEZ – 1st
“I’m happy with this win. It wasn’t easy as all race I was watching for Fabio behind, we crashed and then when Marc came at the end, I really had to push. I knew a little bit from playing with him in the past what he would try so I focused on the corner exit, I knew he’d be strong on the brakes. It has been great to put on another show for the fans and I think this was one of the best races yet. Thanks everyone for watching!”
