Alex Marquez Blames Tyre Degradation for Valencia MotoGP Slide

Alex Marquez attributed a significant drop in performance during the Valencia MotoGP finale to excessive rear tyre degradation and vibrations, costing him a potential podium finish, though the precise cause of the issues remains under investigation.

Marquez, starting from the front row at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, initially positioned himself strongly in second place behind Marco Bezzecchi. However, his race pace deteriorated sharply from approximately lap five, rendering him vulnerable to attacks from trailing riders. Raul Fernandez, representing Trackhouse Racing, successfully overtook Marquez on lap 11. Further challenges came from KTM’s Pedro Acosta and VR46’s Fabio di Giannantonio, who also passed Marquez as the race progressed. Fermin Aldeguer, Marquez’s teammate at Gresini Racing, completed the series of overtakes, relegating Marquez to sixth place on the final lap.

The marked decline in Marquez’s performance was evident in his lap times. Racing on worn tyres, he recorded lap times in the mid-to-high 1m31s, losing approximately half a second per lap to the leading riders. He ultimately finished the race over eight seconds behind winner Bezzecchi.

This performance contrasted sharply with his showing on Saturday, where Marquez dominated the sprint race, securing a decisive victory over Acosta. The Valencia circuit, known for its demands on tyres, presented a perplexing challenge for Marquez, who struggled to understand the early onset of degradation.

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"I was able to make a good start, to be quite comfortable behind Marco," Marquez stated post-race. "But from lap five to seven, more or less, I started to drop so much on the rear. That was the main problem – a lot of vibrations on the rear and all that. I suffered from that moment until the end. The last 15 laps were difficult to finish, but it’s better that something like this happened now than in the mid-season in 2026. So, it’s better to have these problems now so we can solve them on Tuesday."

The majority of the MotoGP grid, with the exception of LCR’s Somkiat Chantra, adopted a similar tyre strategy for the Valencia race, opting for a hard compound front tyre and a medium compound rear tyre. Marquez expressed bewilderment at the early drop-off, particularly given the tyre selection.

"I don’t know [what caused the degradation], we need to analyse a little bit and to see what happened exactly, because the first drop was too early," he explained. "At that moment, the tyre is not even on the temperature. After five laps, you may use 15% of the tyre, but no more. But at that moment, I started to already have some vibrations, some drop on the left, especially on the straight, and I started to lose a lot of positions. The most important thing is to try to learn, and to change the riding style a little to finish the race."

Despite the disappointing conclusion to the Valencia Grand Prix, Marquez finished the year in a career-best second place in the standings, with three race wins and 12 podiums throughout the season.

Background on Alex Marquez

Alex Marquez, born on April 23, 1996, in Cervera, Spain, is the younger brother of eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez. He began his Grand Prix career in 2012 in the Moto3 class, achieving his first podium in 2013 and winning the Moto3 World Championship in 2014.

In 2015, Marquez moved to the Moto2 class, where he faced initial challenges before becoming a consistent frontrunner. He secured the Moto2 World Championship title in 2019. The following year, Marquez stepped up to MotoGP with the Repsol Honda Team, partnering with his brother Marc. His rookie season was marked by two podium finishes, showcasing his potential in the premier class.

After a challenging 2021 season, Marquez moved to the LCR Honda team in 2022, seeking to improve his consistency and competitiveness. 2023 marked a significant turning point in Marquez’s career, as he joined the Gresini Racing MotoGP team, riding a Ducati. This move proved successful, with Marquez achieving multiple podium finishes and race wins, solidifying his position as a top contender in MotoGP.

Tyre Management in MotoGP

Tyre management is a critical aspect of MotoGP racing, with the performance of tyres significantly impacting a rider’s race pace and overall results. The Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with its tight and technical layout, is known for being particularly demanding on tyres. The track’s numerous corners and frequent acceleration zones can lead to increased tyre wear and degradation, especially on the left side of the tyre due to the higher number of left-hand turns.

MotoGP tyre supplier Michelin provides a range of tyre compounds to suit various track conditions and riding styles. Riders and teams must carefully analyze data from practice sessions to determine the optimal tyre choice for the race. Factors such as track temperature, surface abrasiveness, and rider preferences all play a role in the decision-making process.

Excessive tyre degradation can manifest in several ways, including reduced grip, increased lap times, and vibrations, as experienced by Alex Marquez in the Valencia Grand Prix. Riders often adjust their riding style to conserve tyre life, such as reducing corner speed or altering throttle application.

Gresini Racing Team

Gresini Racing, founded by the late Fausto Gresini, is a prominent independent team in MotoGP. The team has a long history in Grand Prix racing, competing in various classes and achieving numerous successes. After Fausto Gresini’s passing in 2021, his wife, Nadia Padovani, took over the team’s management, ensuring its continued participation in MotoGP.

In 2022, Gresini Racing returned to being an independent team after several years of collaboration with Aprilia. The team currently fields Ducati machinery, providing riders with competitive equipment. Alex Marquez joined Gresini Racing in 2023, forming a strong partnership with the team and achieving significant results.

Circuit Ricardo Tormo

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo, located in Valencia, Spain, has been a regular fixture on the MotoGP calendar since 1999. The 4.005 km (2.489 mi) track is named after Spanish motorcycle racer Ricardo Tormo. The circuit is known for its stadium-style layout, providing excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.

The track features a mix of tight corners and short straights, challenging riders to maintain momentum and manage tyre wear. The final corner, a long right-hander leading onto the main straight, is a critical point for overtaking and setting up the final lap. The circuit’s anti-clockwise direction and predominantly left-hand corners place particular stress on the left side of the tyres.

Marco Bezzecchi’s Victory

Marco Bezzecchi’s victory in the Valencia Grand Prix marked a significant achievement in his MotoGP career. Bezzecchi, riding for VR46 Racing Team, demonstrated strong pace and consistency throughout the race. His ability to manage his tyres effectively allowed him to maintain a competitive advantage over his rivals.

Bezzecchi’s win highlighted the competitiveness of the VR46 Racing Team, owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. The team has become a breeding ground for young talent, providing opportunities for riders to showcase their skills in the premier class.

Looking Ahead

Alex Marquez and the Gresini Racing team will analyze the data from the Valencia Grand Prix to understand the cause of the tyre degradation issues. They will use this information to make necessary adjustments to the bike setup and riding style in preparation for future races. Marquez remains optimistic about the team’s potential and is determined to build on his success in 2023. The 2026 season will provide Marquez with new opportunities to compete at the highest level and challenge for race wins and championships. The team’s commitment to continuous improvement and Marquez’s determination to overcome challenges will be key factors in their pursuit of success.