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Alex Márquez dominates Sachsenring as Bagnaia admits: 'He was faster'

2026-07-15 · Alex Márquez · Match Report

Alex Márquez dominates Sachsenring as Bagnaia admits: 'He was faster'

Alex Márquez delivered a masterclass at the 2026 Sachsenring Grand Prix, leading Ducati’s charge as teammate Francesco Bagnaia struggled with grip issues. On 12 July, Márquez’s pace forced Bagnaia to concede: “Marc made the difference, but Alex Marquez was faster.”

What happened at Sachsenring?

Márquez topped the timesheets in tricky conditions, exploiting his ability to take different lines than rivals. Bagnaia, meanwhile, finished sixth after a late scrap with Jorge Martin for fifth. “I tried to pass at Turn 11, but he was faster,” Bagnaia said. “It was tough-I’d have had to take too big a risk to overtake.”

The Italian admitted his Ducati’s rear grip issues persisted, a problem Márquez and Gresini had solved before Jerez. “Alex Marquez was the only Ducati rider with the same issue before Jerez,” Bagnaia noted. “Then he and the team fixed it. We hope to do the same.”

Why it matters for Alex Márquez

Márquez’s Sachsenring speed underlined his threat outside Marc Márquez’s shadow. “He had more margin than anyone,” Bagnaia said. “I was surprised by how fast he was here.” The Gresini rider’s adaptability-key to Ducati’s success-was on full display.

Bagnaia also praised Márquez’s racecraft. “Marc manages the difference at two or three key points,” he said. “That’s why he’s won here ten times.” But Márquez’s form this weekend proved he’s no mere support act.

The grip battle hurting Bagnaia

Bagnaia’s Ducati lacked rear grip all weekend, limiting his cornering and acceleration. “I can’t lean the bike or accelerate properly,” he admitted. “We’ve improved tyre wear, but the core issue remains.” His frustration was clear: “I’m not happy heading into the break. I know what I’m capable of.”

The three-week summer pause can’t come soon enough. “We need it,” Bagnaia said. “But I won’t relax-I know how much we’re falling short.”

What comes next?

With Márquez’s rise and Bagnaia’s struggles, Ducati’s mid-season puzzle grows. The break offers a chance to fix grip issues-but Márquez’s pace means time isn’t on their side. Next up: the summer test, where solutions must emerge.

Race result: 12 July 2026, Sachsenring GP. Márquez led Ducati’s charge; Bagnaia finished sixth after late duel with Martin.

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