The China Mail - Marc Marquez beats brother in Argentina MotoGP sprint

The six-time world champion was continuing his dream start to life riding a factory Ducati.

After wins in the sprint and race in the season-opener in Thailand a fortnight ago the Spanish star will be hot favourite for Sunday's main event at the Termas de Rio Honda circuit.

If successful it will be the first time the 32-year-old has won the opening two races since the 2014 season.

Marquez has looked imperious at this second leg of the 22-race season, topping the times in practice and nailing pole - a career 96th - earlier Saturday with a track record.

- 'Pushing' -

This was his first back-to-back poles since 2019, the season he won the last of his six MotoGP titles.

And he led the 12-lap dash from start to finish to cement his position at the top of the fledgling riders' title race as he goes in search of a seventh MotoGP crown.

As in Thailand he was followed across the line by Alex, who inherited the elder Marquez's seat on Ducati's satellite Gresini bike.

"Very difficult victory as Alex was pushing a lot," beamed the sprint winner.

"I just kept pushing and pushing, I think he (Alex) slowed down a bit towards the end. Tomorrow (Sunday) will be tough with him," added Marquez senior.

The man of the moment sped away from pole to put daylight between his Ducati and the chasing pack led by Alex.

Brad Binder was an early casualty, the South African parting company with his KTM on the opening lap after a minor knock from Franco Morbidelli's Ducati VR46.

Halfway through the 12-lap dash Alex Marquez was closing in on the leader, this pair around two seconds clear of Francesco Bagnaia on the second factory Ducati.

But the elder brother was never properly tested and took the flag just under one second clear.

"With Marc in front, it was like being back in the training camp," said the runner-up.

"At the end I relaxed a bit as the gap was too big. Super happy."

Bagnaia, the 2022 and 2023 champion, completed the podium almost four seconds back after setting off from fourth on the grid.

"I tried my best, still not enough. Tomorrow I will try to enjoy it more" said the Italian.

Marc Marquez moved up to 49 points in the standings, with Alex on 38 and Bagnaia on 30.

Missing again this weekend is world champion Jorge Martin, casting a cloud over the start to the 2025 campaign.

The Spanish Aprilia rider has still not recovered from the injuries which sidelined him in Thailand.

Martin said Thursday that he will also sit out the third round in Texas at the end of March and may still not be ready by the time the Qatar MotoGP rolls around in mid-April.

B.Chan--ThChM