Marc Marquez on the Brink of the 2025 MotoGP Title, Alex Chooses to Stand Aside for His Brother

Marc Marquez heads into the Qatar round at the Lusail Circuit this weekend with his first chance to lock up the 2025 MotoGP world championship. The Ducati factory rider leads Jorge Martin by 44 points and Marco Bezzecchi by 67 points, with only three races remaining. Last week's win at Sepang was key to why that gap has stayed wide.

In Malaysia, Marquez overtook his younger brother, Alex Marquez, who started from pole position. After a brief moment on the opening lap, Alex offered almost no meaningful resistance and finished third behind Pedro Acosta. The decision sparked public speculation, but Marc reckoned his brother was simply being rational.

“Alex has been great in the second half of the season, especially given his physical condition,” Marc said at a press conference in Doha on Thursday (17/4). “In Malaysia, he looked after his own interests and knew how to manage risk. That is what brothers are for. If your younger brother is fighting for a world championship, you do not throw your bike at him. Especially when we are both riding Ducatis. If you did, you would be a bad brother and you would have to call to apologize.”

Alex finished third at Sepang, his third podium of the season. After the race, he confirmed he would undergo surgery the next day to remove the large plate supporting his right collarbone and address a shoulder problem caused by a heavy crash in Barcelona. The operation ruled him out in Qatar, leaving Marc without the potential support of his brother.

But Marc dismissed the notion that he needs help from other riders. “If you have the speed, you do not need a bodyguard, team orders, or anything,” he said. The statement also responded to the narrative that competition at Ducati is often colored by team dynamics.

Marc arrived in Doha later than his rivals, taking the last flight that allowed him to attend the official press conference. Despite his large points lead, he remained cautious about his chances of clinching the title this weekend. “I know the numbers. I have to score eight points more than one and 30 points more than the other,” he said, referring to Martin and Bezzecchi.

Rather than taking unnecessary risks at Lusail, Marquez suggested a safer approach: strengthening his position before the final two rounds in Portugal and Valencia. The strategy reflects the mindset of a rider who is already an eight-time world champion, one who prefers consistency over chasing risky wins.

For the Indonesian public, this dynamic mirrors how competition in MotoGP is not only about speed but also about risk management and relationships between riders. Ducati, which has dominated this season, is now in the spotlight: will their dominance continue through Valencia, or will the door open for Martin and Bezzecchi to chase? The answer will become clear over the three remaining races, starting at Lusail this weekend.