{"id":1902021,"date":"2026-04-24T17:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T14:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902021"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:00:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T14:00:46","slug":"alex-marquez-back-on-top-at-jerez-i-wont-lie-we-needed-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902021","title":{"rendered":"Alex Marquez back on top at Jerez: \u201cI won\u2019t lie, we needed it\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Alex Marquez back on top at Jerez: \u201cI won\u2019t lie, we needed it\u201d<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Alex Marquez turns around a tough start to 2026 by leading Friday practice for the Spanish MotoGP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-24T18:00:46+01:00\">24 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>After enduring the biggest points drop of any rider so far in 2026, Alex Marquez returned to form in style during Friday practice for his home Spanish MotoGP.<\/p>\n<p>The Gresini rider, now running factory Ducati machinery, has scored 59 fewer points than at the same stage last year to sit eighth in the standings, without a podium.<\/p>\n<p>But the extended break since COTA allowed Alex Marquez and his team to analyse their struggles and arrive at Jerez, where he took an emotional maiden MotoGP victory last season, with a revised plan.<\/p>\n<p>The most visible technical change was Ducati\u2019s updated rear aero, first introduced by the factory team in the USA, alongside electronic tweaks aimed at improving braking and corner entry.<\/p>\n<p>But Francesco Bagnaia also hinted at an additional unspecified \u2018modification\u2019 that Alex Marquez had been using.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez said only that \u201cwe started the day with the 2025 setup and things were immediately easy\u201d, but also emphasised a change in mentality.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ea0dbe6878067ff363c22b334f7086361d3e2d52cb7c2b98345d4226376ecf9f\">  Why one Ducati star\u2019s \u2018unrealistic\u2019 Jerez MotoGP dream looks anything but   Jorge Martin hit with penalty after Jerez MotoGP practice incident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cReally important day for us. I won\u2019t lie, we needed it,\u201d Alex told MotoGP.com.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were able to analyse a lot of things in these four weeks and also change a little bit the mind and the approach to the weekend, thinking less on the negative points and taking more profit on the positives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that I love Jerez, but everything came in a really easy way, and that it was so important.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6a39bf19cbc251c96e1d8dc539c6a3a73f63224614cbc4eb0902f2e5365f094a\">  2026 Jerez MotoGP: Which riders are in Q2 for Spanish Grand Prix qualifying?   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That was underlined when Alex turned down the chance to go for a second time attack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn&#8217;t even put in the last soft on the rear. I said, it&#8217;s OK, we will work for the long race, and I was able to make again 36.6,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo we&#8217;re on the page, I&#8217;m in good shape, but we need to be really keep the focus, because tomorrow other people will make a step more, and we need to also.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen the domination of Aprilia, so we cannot relax.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cit will be important to fight for the pole position, and then try to be really focused for the sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Team-mate Fermin Aldeguer also secured direct qualifying access, in eighth.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Jorge Martin received a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Alex Marquez in the closing minutes of the afternoon session.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Alex Marquez<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Gresini Racing MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ducati<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why one Ducati star\u2019s \u2018unrealistic\u2019 Jerez MotoGP dream looks anything but<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306575_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-87194bd2a36e21b768822fafb1966eb861682486347275c32dab075d62560555\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-263dc235c096422816c27819b4b83555c36b4bd511ca61f6e02afd237fa7a7d3\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati \u201cfound something\u201d for Jerez MotoGP, pinpoint Aprilia advantage<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777026844\"> 6h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306111_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Gigi Dall\u2019Igna reveals his first impression of 2027 Ducati MotoGP bike<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776962550\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1297664_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Gigi Dall'Igna, 2026 MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alex Marquez brands repeat Jerez MotoGP win \u201cnot realistic\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776955527\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305973_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Marquez, 2026 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix, pre-event press conference. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia offers worrying Ducati &#8220;DNA&#8221; MotoGP insight<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776951301\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303482_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pecco Bagnaia, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez shows COTA wound ahead of Spanish MotoGP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776944229\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305822_hires-1.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez shows COTA arm injury, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez \u201cmade the most\u201d of MotoGP break: \u201cI can&#8217;t wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776849537\"> 22\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Alex Marquez turns around a tough start to 2026 by leading Friday practice for the Spanish MotoGP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>After enduring the biggest points drop of any rider so far in 2026, Alex Marquez returned to form in style during Friday practice for his home Spanish MotoGP.<\/p>\n<p>The Gresini rider, now running factory Ducati machinery, has scored 59 fewer points than at the same stage last year to sit eighth in the standings, without a podium.<\/p>\n<p>But the extended break since COTA allowed Alex Marquez and his team to analyse their struggles and arrive at Jerez, where he took an emotional maiden MotoGP victory last season, with a revised plan.<\/p>\n<p>The most visible technical change was Ducati\u2019s updated rear aero, first introduced by the factory team in the USA, alongside electronic tweaks aimed at improving braking and corner entry.<\/p>\n<p>But Francesco Bagnaia also hinted at an additional unspecified \u2018modification\u2019 that Alex Marquez had been using.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez said only that \u201cwe started the day with the 2025 setup and things were immediately easy\u201d, but also emphasised a change in mentality.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ea0dbe6878067ff363c22b334f7086361d3e2d52cb7c2b98345d4226376ecf9f\">  Why one Ducati star\u2019s \u2018unrealistic\u2019 Jerez MotoGP dream looks anything but   Jorge Martin hit with penalty after Jerez MotoGP practice incident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cReally important day for us. I won\u2019t lie, we needed it,\u201d Alex told MotoGP.com.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were able to analyse a lot of things in these four weeks and also change a little bit the mind and the approach to the weekend, thinking less on the negative points and taking more profit on the positives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that I love Jerez, but everything came in a really easy way, and that it was so important.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6a39bf19cbc251c96e1d8dc539c6a3a73f63224614cbc4eb0902f2e5365f094a\">  2026 Jerez MotoGP: Which riders are in Q2 for Spanish Grand Prix qualifying?   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That was underlined when Alex turned down the chance to go for a second time attack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn&#8217;t even put in the last soft on the rear. I said, it&#8217;s OK, we will work for the long race, and I was able to make again 36.6,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo we&#8217;re on the page, I&#8217;m in good shape, but we need to be really keep the focus, because tomorrow other people will make a step more, and we need to also.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen the domination of Aprilia, so we cannot relax.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cit will be important to fight for the pole position, and then try to be really focused for the sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Team-mate Fermin Aldeguer also secured direct qualifying access, in eighth.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Jorge Martin received a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Alex Marquez in the closing minutes of the afternoon session.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>After enduring the biggest points drop of any rider so far in 2026, Alex Marquez returned to form in style during Friday practice for his home Spanish MotoGP.<\/p>\n<p>The Gresini rider, now running factory Ducati machinery, has scored 59 fewer points than at the same stage last year to sit eighth in the standings, without a podium.<\/p>\n<p>But the extended break since COTA allowed Alex Marquez and his team to analyse their struggles and arrive at Jerez, where he took an emotional maiden MotoGP victory last season, with a revised plan.<\/p>\n<p>The most visible technical change was Ducati\u2019s updated rear aero, first introduced by the factory team in the USA, alongside electronic tweaks aimed at improving braking and corner entry.<\/p>\n<p>But Francesco Bagnaia also hinted at an additional unspecified \u2018modification\u2019 that Alex Marquez had been using.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez said only that \u201cwe started the day with the 2025 setup and things were immediately easy\u201d, but also emphasised a change in mentality.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306256_hires_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Alex Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ea0dbe6878067ff363c22b334f7086361d3e2d52cb7c2b98345d4226376ecf9f\">  Why one Ducati star\u2019s \u2018unrealistic\u2019 Jerez MotoGP dream looks anything but   Jorge Martin hit with penalty after Jerez MotoGP practice incident <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cReally important day for us. I won\u2019t lie, we needed it,\u201d Alex told MotoGP.com.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were able to analyse a lot of things in these four weeks and also change a little bit the mind and the approach to the weekend, thinking less on the negative points and taking more profit on the positives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s true that I love Jerez, but everything came in a really easy way, and that it was so important.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6a39bf19cbc251c96e1d8dc539c6a3a73f63224614cbc4eb0902f2e5365f094a\">  2026 Jerez MotoGP: Which riders are in Q2 for Spanish Grand Prix qualifying?   Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That was underlined when Alex turned down the chance to go for a second time attack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn&#8217;t even put in the last soft on the rear. I said, it&#8217;s OK, we will work for the long race, and I was able to make again 36.6,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo we&#8217;re on the page, I&#8217;m in good shape, but we need to be really keep the focus, because tomorrow other people will make a step more, and we need to also.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen the domination of Aprilia, so we cannot relax.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cit will be important to fight for the pole position, and then try to be really focused for the sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Team-mate Fermin Aldeguer also secured direct qualifying access, in eighth.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Jorge Martin received a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Alex Marquez in the closing minutes of the afternoon session.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1093419\/1\/alex-marquez-back-top-jerez-i-wont-lie-we-needed-it&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306324_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Alex Marquez back on top at Jerez: \u201cI won\u2019t lie, we needed it\u201d Alex Marquez turns around a tough start to 2026 by leading Friday practice for the Spanish MotoGP. Peter McLaren 24 Apr 2026 Share Alex Marquez, 2026 Spanish MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source After enduring the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1902021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1902021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1902021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1902021\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1902021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1902021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1902021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}