Alex Marquez wins Spanish Grand Prix to end Marco Bezzecchi streak

Alex Marquez claimed a comfortable victory at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to halt overall leader Marco Bezzecchi’s five-race winning streak in MotoGP.

The Ducati-Gresini rider triumphed from fifth on the starting grid, crossing the line 1.903 seconds ahead of his Aprilia rival.

It marks a triumphant return to the top step of the podium for the recently turned 30-year-old, who secured his maiden premier class victory at this exact Jerez circuit last year.

Marc Marquez crashes out after sprint success

Sunday’s grand prix provided a stark contrast to Saturday’s chaotic, rain-lashed sprint event.

Reigning champion Marc Marquez had clinched victory in those treacherous wet conditions following some quick thinking to change bikes.

Despite starting from pole position in the main race, the older Marquez brother could not replicate his sprint success.

Alex closed the gap rapidly at the start of the second lap, executing a clinical move up the inside at turn six to snatch the lead.

Disaster struck for Marc just five turns later as he lost the front end of his Ducati and crashed out of contention.

Bezzecchi extends championship advantage

With clear track ahead, the younger Marquez brother proved untouchable for the chasing pack.

Fabio di Giannantonio delivered a strong performance to complete the podium places, while Jorge Martin crossed the line in fourth.

The result finally breaks a formidable run of form from the current championship leader.

The Italian had dominated the premier class by winning the final two rounds of last season and the opening three races of the current campaign.

Despite missing out on the victory, the second-place finish allows him to stretch his overall standings advantage to 11 points over Martin.

Di Giannantonio climbs to third in the title race, leaving the reigning champion languishing 44 points adrift in fifth.

A turning point for the Gresini rider

This crucial win propels the victorious Spaniard up to seventh in the overall classification.

His previous best result this season had been a modest sixth-place finish.

“We struggled a lot at the beginning of the year,” the race winner said.

“Today, it was clear – go from the first lap, pushing, trying to take the lead.”

“From that moment, I knew that the rhythm was really good until the end.”