British GP Showdown: Marc and Alex Marquez Speak Out

Alex Marquez heads into the British Grand Prix at Silverstone with his confidence higher than ever, believing he can beat his brother Marc for the top step. Fresh off a sprint race win where he started second and overtook Marc after an early mistake, Alex finished 3.5 seconds ahead, snapping Marc’s streak of six consecutive MotoGP sprint victories.

This result has pushed Alex to say he now sees himself as the favourite, a rare statement for the Gresini rider who usually plays down his chances. “Tomorrow, the maximum will be to be first,” Alex said, underlining his shift in mindset after a home victory in Jerez earlier this year, and emphasising that this is a unique opportunity—one he doesn’t want to lose through overconfidence.

The dynamic between the Marquez brothers has often been a headline itself. Alex admitted that beating Marc on its own is not his main focus, but he recognises just how important these moments are for his season. For more on the history of sibling rivalries in motorsport, see sibling rivalries in MotoGP.

He believes being ready to capitalise during these chances is key to staying close in the championship. “At some tracks, Marc will be a step forward, but on days like this, we can close the gap,” Alex explained, suggesting that each race is vital for keeping his title hopes alive.

His form at Silverstone in both 2023 and this season has shown that when the feeling is right, he can be a real threat.

Marc Marquez, riding for the factory Ducati squad, acknowledged Alex’s speed at Silverstone, saying, “He was already the fastest in 2023, but we had a mechanical problem.” Marc admitted that Alex’s pace was superior both last season and again this year, with Silverstone being one of the few circuits where Alex has finished closest to him.

However, Marc is dealing with his own struggles this weekend. Setup issues have made it hard for him to get comfortable, and he points to himself as the problem, not the bike. For insights into how rider setup affects performance, check out this technical analysis from the FIM.

He found the medium tyre performed well during Friday sessions, but struggled with the soft options. For the race, he expects everyone will need to choose the medium rear, as the soft tyre cannot last the full distance at Silverstone.

Adding to Marc’s challenge are the high-speed right-hand corners at Silverstone, which are made even tougher for him following past injuries. He mentioned trouble specifically at turn eight and admitted that since his injury, controlling the bike through long right-handers remains difficult. Learn more about the impact of injuries on rider performance in this study by the University of Leeds.

Still, Marc plans to rely on other strengths to try and fight for top positions, ready to adapt his strategy if needed.

The rivalry between Alex and Marc has brought even more attention to this year’s race. With Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo also in the mix, and several teams testing updates to their machinery, the mood in the paddock is tense. Fabio Quartararo’s consistency clash with other riders has been a key talking point this season. https://fervogear.com/2025/05/22/news/f1/quartararo-consistency-clash/

Alex races for Gresini Racing, aiming for his second Grand Prix win of the season, while Marc looks to reclaim his dominant form after his sprint defeat. The upcoming race could be pivotal for the championship standings, as both brothers have realistic hopes of closing the gap to the title leaders.

The British GP at Silverstone always brings unexpected moments, and this year’s race is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter. Riders and teams are watching the weather and making last-minute decisions on strategy, tyre selection, and setup. For more on Silverstone’s unique challenges, visit the official Silverstone Circuit guide.

As the brothers prepare to face off again, fans and teams alike will be eager to see who comes out on top and how the battle affects the chase for the MotoGP crown. Further dynamics in contract negotiations and team strategies, much like those seen in F1, add an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. https://fervogear.com/2025/05/22/news/f1/motogp-contract-board/

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.