Brian Joss – The Repsol Honda Team converted their success on track to success in the virtual world as Alex Marquez claimed a stunning first win of 2020 with Marc Marquez finishing a respectable fifth.
Six laps around the Mugello circuit produced thrilling action for the first #StayAtHomeGP, riders attacking from the moment the lights went out. With a more condensed event format than a typical GP, riders had little time to refine their setting.
Keeping calm, Alex Marquez stuck to his pre-race plan and put in a sterling performance to make history and clinch the win aboard the Repsol Honda Team RC213V in his eSports debut. A massive seven second lead stamped his authority on the field.
Marc Marquez put in a strong and consistent ride to secure fifth place in his debut eSports race, demonstrating impressive riding skills in both the real and virtual worlds. A strong start saw Marc in podium contention as he looked to match the pace of his teammate in the early laps.
The result sees the Repsol Honda Team become the first official MotoGP team to win races in both the real and virtual worlds.
Alex Marquez said: “Fantastic! What a result! It was a really funny event with all of the other riders and I am really pleased to win my first race! I found a good setting with the RC213V which let me race how I wanted to and I knew I had a few different lines for when I needed. Even at just six laps you really needed to stay focused because with one small mistake it can go very wrong. I enjoyed it a lot and I hope everyone who watched also had a good time. Let’s hope that everyone continues to follow the advice of the doctors and scientists so that we can return to a more normal life, seeing friends and family, enjoying the outside and going racing.”
Marc Marquez congratulated Alec on his win. “I knew from our time playing together he would be very fast but he did a great job. Of course, I would have liked better than fifth, but the result isn’t too bad and as a team we did well. You need a different style in these kinds of races so I had to adapt my strategy a little bit during the day. A good time and I am really happy to be able to do something for the fans. Now we want to be riding and battling back on track, because it means the world is in a better situation, but first we have to win the battle with the Corona Virus. Stay safe everyone!”
#StayAtHomeGP
Pos. Rider Num Nation Points Team Constructor Time/Gap
1 MARQUEZ Alex 73 SPA 25 Repsol Honda Team
Honda
2 BAGNAIA Francesco 63 ITA 20 Pramac Racing
Ducati
3 VINALES Maverick 12 SPA 16 Monster Energy
Yamaha MotoGP Yamaha
4 QUARTARARO Fabio 20 FRA 13 Petronas Yamaha SRT
Yamaha
5 MARQUEZ Marc 93 SPA 11 Repsol Honda Team
Honda
6 RINS Alex 42 SPA 10 Team Suzuki Ecstar
Suzuki
7 MIR Joan 36 SPA 9 Team Suzuki Ecstar
Suzuki
8 OLIVEIRA Miguel 88 POR 8 Red Bull KTM Tech 3
KTM
9 LECOUNA Iker 27 SPA 7 Red Bull KTM Tech 3 KTM
10 ESPARGARO Aleix 41 SPA 6 Aprilia Racing Team
Gresini Aprilia
CAPTION: Virtual world success: Alex Marquez produced a sterling performance. Picture: Quickpic
