Marquez limits the loss as Ducati lacks its usual margin

Marc Marquez finished second in both qualifying and the Sprint, 0.015 seconds from pole and 1.026 seconds from victory. He got ahead of Martin on the opening lap, but a wide line at Turn 3 allowed Acosta through. When Martin returned, Marquez avoided an expensive fight: he secured nine points and remains three behind the leader. The choice matched his assessment of the pace, with Acosta and Martin the weekend’s two benchmarks.

The Ducati has not become slow, but it does not have its usual advantage here. Marquez believes Michelin’s special rear tyre contributes to the gap and expects a different scenario with the medium on Sunday. That change, the temperature and set-up adjustments may tighten the race without guaranteeing a reversal. His day primarily showed championship management: taking the maximum available when winning would require disproportionate risk.