Marc Márquez Overcomes Start Setting Error to Claim Victory in Italian GP Sprint
Marc Márquez triumphed in the Italian GP sprint race despite a critical error at the start. During the initial launch, he mistakenly believed launch control was activated—a misjudgment caused by limited screen visibility while in a tucked position. The confusion led to a delayed start as he fumbled to activate the system correctly. Nevertheless, he kept his composure, executed three decisive overtakes in the opening corners, and quickly closed in on Pecco Bagnaia and his brother Álex Márquez. While he usually finds it easier to follow another rider, this time he led the race with confidence, highlighting strong solo pace. Looking ahead to Sunday’s long race, tire choice and temperature management will be key, as he aims to protect his points lead.
Recalling the Launch Control Error Hidden Behind the Screen
“At the start, I completely misunderstood the launch control situation. I thought it was ON, but because I was tucked in, I couldn’t see the screen. It wasn’t ON, and I kept toggling it—ON, OFF, and back ON again. It’s tough to operate with the left hand, so I used my right, which delayed the launch. Luckily, we made the right overtakes in the first three corners with perfect lines and timing, which let me get right behind Pecco and Álex.”
Leading with Strong Solo Pace
“Usually, on this track, I feel more comfortable following someone. Today, riding behind Álex and Pecco felt better than leading. However, this morning I had great pace on my own, and that allowed me to control the race from the front. Tomorrow will be a long race—Álex has good pace, and Pecco is usually stronger on Sundays, so it won’t be easy.”
Rear Tire Choice Crucial, Aiming to Avoid Repeat Errors
“When it comes to tires, we need to think carefully about the rear. The soft has potential, but with track temperatures expected to hit 45°C to 50°C in the long race, it could be tough. I want to avoid making the same kind of mistake as today and keep the race under control. On this track, it's crucial not to lose the points lead we’ve built.”