Marc Marquez admitted “it took the red bike” to finally conquer the Austrian Grand Prix, and Ducati delivered for the Cervera champion, propelling him to his maiden Spielberg podium top spot. Joining him were surprise package Fermin Aldeguer, 20, securing second on a Gresini Ducati, and a solid Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia.
“I’m super happy,” declared Marquez after clinching his sixth consecutive sprint-race double this memorable season, positioning him strongly for a seventh MotoGP crown six years after his last. Any predictions of a post-summer break shakeup were swiftly dismissed by the dominant duo’s superiority, despite flickers of resistance from Aprilia and KTM.
The Austrian weekend offered no respite for Francesco Bagnaia, however. Retiring yesterday and finishing a distant eighth today, the Piedmontese called it “hard to accept,” acknowledging his evident crisis. Jorge Martin’s misfortune continued with another crash, fortunately without injury.
Marquez’s ninth season win required minimal theatrics. Starting fourth, he immediately tracked pole-sitter Bezzecchi. On lap 20 of 28, the championship leader attacked, passing the Italian who attempted a counter before yielding. “I gave everything but had a small issue. I knew that moment would come,” said Bezzecchi. “I don’t think I could have beaten him, but trying was a great thrill.”
Meanwhile, Bagnaia faded backwards. Initially matching Marquez’s pace, he plummeted down the order when the Spaniard pushed forward, finishing eighth at a circuit he dominated from 2022-2024. “I’d love to know what happened,” a baffled Bagnaia stated. “I was slower everywhere than in 2024. Since the season start, we don’t know why these problems occur.” Ducati offered full support, with Team Manager Davide Tardozzi affirming: “The potential is there. We must understand why he has these issues. No one doubts his speed; without problems, he’s front row. It’s up to us to help him.”
Aldeguer authored a stunning charge to second. Starting behind Bagnaia, the 20-year-old mounted a thrilling comeback, capitalizing on a long-lap penalty for teammate Alex Marquez that ruled him out of podium contention. Aldeguer eventually passed Bezzecchi and even startled Marquez by appearing in his mirrors. The champion soon signaled his reserves, and the rookie settled for sharing the podium with his idol.
“When I saw Aldeguer coming, knowing he was fast on used tires, I knew I had to push decisively,” explained Marquez. “Now we enjoy this win but stay focused for next week.” Heading to Hungary’s 14th round, Marquez holds a commanding 142-point lead over brother Alex and a 197-point advantage over Bagnaia, with Bezzecchi closing in on third. For the Turin rider, it adds urgency for a season turnaround.
Austrian GP Results (Round 13):**
1. Marc Marquez (Spa/Ducati)
2. Fermin Aldeguer (Spa/Ducati-Gresini)
3. Marco Bezzecchi (Ita/Aprilia)
4. Pedro Acosta (Spa/KTM)
5. Enea Bastianini (Ita/KTM-Tech3)
… [Key positions included, lower finishers condensed]
World Championship Standings:**
1. Marc Marquez 418
2. Alex Marquez 276
3. Francesco Bagnaia 221
4. Marco Bezzecchi 178
5. Franco Morbidelli 139
6. Fabio Di Giannantonio 144
7. Pedro Acosta 144
8. Fermín Aldeguer 121
9. Johann Zarco 110
10. Fabio Quartararo 103.