{"id":1902397,"date":"2026-04-25T11:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T08:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902397"},"modified":"2026-04-25T11:00:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T08:00:44","slug":"marc-marquez-feared-zarco-will-beat-me-to-jerez-motogp-pole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1902397","title":{"rendered":"Marc Marquez feared \u201cZarco will beat me\u201d to Jerez MotoGP pole"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_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>Marc Marquez feared \u201cZarco will beat me\u201d to Jerez MotoGP pole<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Marc Marquez and Johann Zarco slug it out for MotoGP pole position at a wet Jerez.<\/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=\"2026-04-25T12:00:44+01:00\">25 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_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_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>Marc Marquez, Johann Zarco, 2026 Spanish MotoGP qualifying.<\/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>Rain on Saturday morning at Jerez saw Marc Marquez break a MotoGP pole drought stretching back to August last year.<\/p>\n<p>Left half-a-second behind brother Alex in the dry on Friday, the reigning world champion was a constant pole contender in the tricky conditions.<\/p>\n<p>But one rider stepped up to challenge the nine-time world champion.<\/p>\n<p>Last year\u2019s French MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, also renowned for his ability on a wet but drying track, snatched pole away with five minutes to go.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez responded but feared the LCR Honda rider would beat his final effort after a mistake at the final corner.<\/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>However, Zarco, aware he needed to go faster than ever, also pushed too hard into the hairpin and Marquez held pole by 0.140s.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Full Qualifying Results<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cQualifying is not my strongest point, but the fact that it was half-wet conditions, that is where I normally feel comfortable,\u201d Marc Marquez said. \u201cToday was not the best feeling out there, but I was able to be fast.<\/p>\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-ceb17c5a03cd00a4c86f4b918d5b992abdd767f11ae06d6e60781a0f02d112c3\">  Jerez Sprint: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings   Marc Marquez wins after a crash in wild flag-to-flag Jerez MotoGP sprint <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI felt like Johann will beat me on the last lap, because I knew that I did a mistake in the last corner. But he did an even bigger mistake. So, happy for the pole and it will be a help for both races.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Zarco, twelfth on Friday, admitted he was happy to hear the rain falling overnight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI slept pretty well after hearing the rain last night! But at the beginning of FP2, I was not as fast as I expected and I needed time to find a bit of confidence,\u201d said Johann Zarco, who unlike Marquez had to right through Qualifying 1.<\/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-85ad8b0948bc32bdbdc9688ba5501666c8d81860790f1aef252116630513c19d\">  2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Sprint Race Results   Starting grid for the 2026 Jerez MotoGP Sprint race <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIn Q1, when we had a bit less water on track, I got more confidence, and also using the medium rear tyre always helps.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Q2, I really thought that pole position was doable. I was leading, then Marc did a good lap time while I was slowing down to try to cool the tyre, and then have an extra push.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI saw I\u2019d lost P1 and so I did everything to catch first position again. In the last corner I had a big slide, and I lost maybe the few tenths that was necessary to get the pole.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s fun because Marc is very strong in all conditions, but also in these conditions. He knows that I can try to fight with him and he&#8217;s always looking at me!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it would have been nice to beat him, just for this morning.\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>Joining Marquez and Zarco on the front row &#8211; but over one second from pole position &#8211; will be Fabio di Giannantonio, who said he felt happier than during his back-to-back poles in Goiania and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m much happier about this front row than the pole positions, honestly,\u201d said the VR46 Ducati rider. \u201cFor sure, I wanted another pole, but in these tricky conditions, especially this morning after FP2, I was not that confident.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut luckily, the team did huge work behind the scenes, we made a few modifications on the bike, and the feeling was much better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI also have to give credit to them for an incredible strategy, to stop just at the last moment and put the new tyre. It paid off. We are in the front row. Sweet spot for tomorrow and this afternoon. So I&#8217;m really happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Title leader Marco Bezzecchi will start from fourth place, with team-mate and closest championship rival Jorge Martin in seventh, but facing a three-place grid penalty for the grand prix.<\/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 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\">Marc Marquez<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Johann Zarco<\/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\"> Starting grid for the 2026 Jerez MotoGP Sprint race<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307353_hires_1600x900.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 class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Joan Mir penalised for ignoring black-and-orange flags at Jerez MotoGP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307219_hires_1600x900.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-3a9ac7b1a5e7fc76da7493fe707838db1115b89425c44f2d839378e4f2cd1a4c\">\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-1b93a84d07079cc1de95b7a985dca8ce434c5cf53ffc43a29e47560550cd0cbb\">\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 ends 245-day pole drought in crash-strewn Jerez MotoGP qualifying<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777110456\"> 4h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307163_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 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 warns Jerez MotoGP podium \u201coptimistic\u201d, \u201cI don&#8217;t have the potential to attack\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777054426\"> 19h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306792_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  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Friday Practice Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777039254\"> 24\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1306269_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex 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>Ducati \u201cfound something\u201d for Jerez MotoGP, pinpoint Aprilia advantage<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777026844\"> 24\/04\/26<\/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>Why Marc Marquez doubts Jerez MotoGP pecking order claims<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776950248\"> 23\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1305856_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 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 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>\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>Marc Marquez and Johann Zarco slug it out for MotoGP pole position at a wet Jerez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Rain on Saturday morning at Jerez saw Marc Marquez break a MotoGP pole drought stretching back to August last year.<\/p>\n<p>Left half-a-second behind brother Alex in the dry on Friday, the reigning world champion was a constant pole contender in the tricky conditions.<\/p>\n<p>But one rider stepped up to challenge the nine-time world champion.<\/p>\n<p>Last year\u2019s French MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, also renowned for his ability on a wet but drying track, snatched pole away with five minutes to go.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez responded but feared the LCR Honda rider would beat his final effort after a mistake at the final corner.<\/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>However, Zarco, aware he needed to go faster than ever, also pushed too hard into the hairpin and Marquez held pole by 0.140s.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Full Qualifying Results<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cQualifying is not my strongest point, but the fact that it was half-wet conditions, that is where I normally feel comfortable,\u201d Marc Marquez said. \u201cToday was not the best feeling out there, but I was able to be fast.<\/p>\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-ceb17c5a03cd00a4c86f4b918d5b992abdd767f11ae06d6e60781a0f02d112c3\">  Jerez Sprint: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings   Marc Marquez wins after a crash in wild flag-to-flag Jerez MotoGP sprint <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI felt like Johann will beat me on the last lap, because I knew that I did a mistake in the last corner. But he did an even bigger mistake. So, happy for the pole and it will be a help for both races.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Zarco, twelfth on Friday, admitted he was happy to hear the rain falling overnight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI slept pretty well after hearing the rain last night! But at the beginning of FP2, I was not as fast as I expected and I needed time to find a bit of confidence,\u201d said Johann Zarco, who unlike Marquez had to right through Qualifying 1.<\/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-85ad8b0948bc32bdbdc9688ba5501666c8d81860790f1aef252116630513c19d\">  2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Sprint Race Results   Starting grid for the 2026 Jerez MotoGP Sprint race <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIn Q1, when we had a bit less water on track, I got more confidence, and also using the medium rear tyre always helps.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Q2, I really thought that pole position was doable. I was leading, then Marc did a good lap time while I was slowing down to try to cool the tyre, and then have an extra push.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI saw I\u2019d lost P1 and so I did everything to catch first position again. In the last corner I had a big slide, and I lost maybe the few tenths that was necessary to get the pole.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s fun because Marc is very strong in all conditions, but also in these conditions. He knows that I can try to fight with him and he&#8217;s always looking at me!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it would have been nice to beat him, just for this morning.\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>Joining Marquez and Zarco on the front row &#8211; but over one second from pole position &#8211; will be Fabio di Giannantonio, who said he felt happier than during his back-to-back poles in Goiania and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m much happier about this front row than the pole positions, honestly,\u201d said the VR46 Ducati rider. \u201cFor sure, I wanted another pole, but in these tricky conditions, especially this morning after FP2, I was not that confident.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut luckily, the team did huge work behind the scenes, we made a few modifications on the bike, and the feeling was much better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI also have to give credit to them for an incredible strategy, to stop just at the last moment and put the new tyre. It paid off. We are in the front row. Sweet spot for tomorrow and this afternoon. So I&#8217;m really happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Title leader Marco Bezzecchi will start from fourth place, with team-mate and closest championship rival Jorge Martin in seventh, but facing a three-place grid penalty for the grand prix.<\/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 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>Rain on Saturday morning at Jerez saw Marc Marquez break a MotoGP pole drought stretching back to August last year.<\/p>\n<p>Left half-a-second behind brother Alex in the dry on Friday, the reigning world champion was a constant pole contender in the tricky conditions.<\/p>\n<p>But one rider stepped up to challenge the nine-time world champion.<\/p>\n<p>Last year\u2019s French MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, also renowned for his ability on a wet but drying track, snatched pole away with five minutes to go.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez responded but feared the LCR Honda rider would beat his final effort after a mistake at the final corner.<\/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>However, Zarco, aware he needed to go faster than ever, also pushed too hard into the hairpin and Marquez held pole by 0.140s.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Full Qualifying Results<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cQualifying is not my strongest point, but the fact that it was half-wet conditions, that is where I normally feel comfortable,\u201d Marc Marquez said. \u201cToday was not the best feeling out there, but I was able to be fast.<\/p>\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-ceb17c5a03cd00a4c86f4b918d5b992abdd767f11ae06d6e60781a0f02d112c3\">  Jerez Sprint: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings   Marc Marquez wins after a crash in wild flag-to-flag Jerez MotoGP sprint <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI felt like Johann will beat me on the last lap, because I knew that I did a mistake in the last corner. But he did an even bigger mistake. So, happy for the pole and it will be a help for both races.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Zarco, twelfth on Friday, admitted he was happy to hear the rain falling overnight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI slept pretty well after hearing the rain last night! But at the beginning of FP2, I was not as fast as I expected and I needed time to find a bit of confidence,\u201d said Johann Zarco, who unlike Marquez had to right through Qualifying 1.<\/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-85ad8b0948bc32bdbdc9688ba5501666c8d81860790f1aef252116630513c19d\">  2026 Spanish MotoGP, Jerez &#8211; Sprint Race Results   Starting grid for the 2026 Jerez MotoGP Sprint race <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIn Q1, when we had a bit less water on track, I got more confidence, and also using the medium rear tyre always helps.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Q2, I really thought that pole position was doable. I was leading, then Marc did a good lap time while I was slowing down to try to cool the tyre, and then have an extra push.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI saw I\u2019d lost P1 and so I did everything to catch first position again. In the last corner I had a big slide, and I lost maybe the few tenths that was necessary to get the pole.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s fun because Marc is very strong in all conditions, but also in these conditions. He knows that I can try to fight with him and he&#8217;s always looking at me!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it would have been nice to beat him, just for this morning.\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>Joining Marquez and Zarco on the front row &#8211; but over one second from pole position &#8211; will be Fabio di Giannantonio, who said he felt happier than during his back-to-back poles in Goiania and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m much happier about this front row than the pole positions, honestly,\u201d said the VR46 Ducati rider. \u201cFor sure, I wanted another pole, but in these tricky conditions, especially this morning after FP2, I was not that confident.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut luckily, the team did huge work behind the scenes, we made a few modifications on the bike, and the feeling was much better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI also have to give credit to them for an incredible strategy, to stop just at the last moment and put the new tyre. It paid off. We are in the front row. Sweet spot for tomorrow and this afternoon. So I&#8217;m really happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Title leader Marco Bezzecchi will start from fourth place, with team-mate and closest championship rival Jorge Martin in seventh, but facing a three-place grid penalty for the grand prix.<\/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 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\/1093475\/1\/marc-marquez-feared-zarco-will-beat-me-jerez-motogp-pole&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1307352_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Marc Marquez feared \u201cZarco will beat me\u201d to Jerez MotoGP pole Marc Marquez and Johann Zarco slug it out for MotoGP pole position at a wet Jerez. Peter McLaren 25 Apr 2026 Share Marc Marquez, Johann Zarco, 2026 Spanish MotoGP qualifying. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source Rain on Saturday [&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-1902397","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\/1902397","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=1902397"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1902397\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1902397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1902397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1902397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}