MotoGP: repeat Jerez success for Alex Marquez as Michelin revels in mixed conditions
For the second year running, Alex Márquez proved unbeatable on home soil to claim the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Grand Prix of Spain, Round 4 of the 2026 MotoGPTM World Championship. The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP rider was followed over the line by the provisional points-leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). Michelin's tires performed strongly all weekend, in conditions ranging from wet to entirely dry, helping to establish two new records. Read on for more about what happened at the #SpanishGP.
Marquez got away to a lightning start from fifth on the grid and found himself in front after passing his brother and pole-sitter Marc (Ducati Lenovo Team) just two laps into the 25-lap race.
On medium MICHELIN Power slicks front and rear, he set a fast pace from lights-out, clocking the afternoon's best lap (1m37.081s) in the process. Aided by the grip and consistency of his tires, he then posted a run of competitive times to pull out a useful gap. He eventually took the checkered flag almost two seconds clear of Bezzecchi having completed the distance 7.5 seconds quicker (a new record!) than when he won the same grand prix in 2025.
Bezzecchi overcame a tough Saturday to claim second spot, a result that stems his unbeaten run so far this season. Di Giannantonio, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) and TrackHouse MotoGP's Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez rounded out the day's top six which included no fewer than four Aprilia runners.
After qualifying in second place, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) was seventh at the finish.
The previous day's contest turned out to be the sport's first-ever 'flag-to-flag' sprint race. The drama-packed clash was marked by the arrival of rain just a handful of laps in and was ultimately won by Marc Marquez. In contrast, the defending world champion fell out of contention for Sunday's grand prix win as early as Lap 2.
The grip and consistency of Michelin's MotoGPTM tires made a real contribution to the weekend's entertainment by allowing the riders to lap on the limit in the rain and sunshine alike.
Bezzecchi (101 points) continues to top the provisional Riders' standings, chased by team-mate Martin (90) and Di Giannantonio (71).
Next round: MICHELIN Grand Prix de France, Le Mans (May 8-10).