The Japan Times - Marquez show rolls on with Marc beating Alex in Argentina

The six-time world champion replicated his dream season beginning in Thailand a fortnight ago, beating his younger sibling in Saturday's sprint and the main race from pole at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.

The Spanish superstar was landing the first two races of the season for the first time since 2014.

This was his first visit to the circuit since his third win at the track in 2019 and it proved a happy return with his 90th career grand prix.

His stellar start to life on board the factory Ducati leaves him atop the riders' standings on 74 points as he pursues a seventh world title which would draw him level with Italian legend Valentino Rossi.

The 32-year-old Spaniard was imperious at this second leg of the 22-race season, topping the times in practice, nailing pole - a career 96th - with a track record, then confirming that domination in the sprint and Sunday's race.

The sleepy spa town's population of almost 30,000 was swelled significantly by the record 209,000 MotoGP fans descending on the venue to see the fastest men on two wheels in the world over the weekend

Fabio Quartararo and Marco Bezzecchi collided off the grid as Marquez held off his four-year younger brother to the first turn.

Alex Marquez pounced on a rare mistake by Marquez senior on lap four to lead just as he had done in the early stages of the race last time out in Thailand.

This family affair was being tracked by Franco Morbidelli, putting in a bold ride despite struggling from headaches over the weekend.

At the midway point of the 25-lap contest Alex was around half a dozen bike lengths clear as he began to visualise a first ever MotoGP success at his 94th attempt.

The pursuing Marquez had a worrying wobble on lap 16, but he shrugged that off to maintain his chase of the Ducati Gresini blue bike in his crosshairs.

He closed right up to his brother's rear tyre with eight laps left to set up a gripping conclusion to the family feud.

He dived into the lead on turn five of lap 18 only for Alex Marquez to extinguish the danger.

Alex was defending superbly under pressure, but with five laps to go his brother finally seized control, speeding away to take the chequered flag for another dominant victory.

Morbidelli completed the podium on Ducati's VR46 bike.

The 25-lap race was preceded by a tango, it takes two to perform Argentina's national dance and Marc paid tribute to Alex for keeping him on his toes out on the track.

"Alex was pushing, and controlling the race.

- 'Impossible to keep him behind' -

"I thought to be second today is okay then I started to feel better, but it's difficult to attack my brother!

"I was super impressed with Alex today."

On drawing level with the 90 grand prix wins of late Spanish motorbike icon Angel Nieto Marquez added: "I'm super happy to equal Angel, he was and is super important for Spanish motorcycling in the world, it's an honour."

For Alex, this was his fourth runner-up spot of the new season with a first ever success in MotoGP tantalisingly close.

"I did everything I could but finally Marc passed me, it was impossible to keep him behind. I'm closer than ever for my first win!"

Prima Pramax Yamaha rider Miguel Oliveira pulled out of the race in the morning following his tangle with rookie Fermin Aldeguer in the sprint.

Oliveira escaped without any fractures after the crash but is returning home for a check-up.

The main absentee though was world champion Jorge Martin.

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

Martin, overlooked for the factory Ducati that went to Marquez, will also have to sit out the third round in Texas at the end of March, and possibly Qatar too.

"MotoGP is not the same without you" read one banner belonging to a fan of the 2024 champion in the crowd on Sunday.

S.Yamamoto--JT