A 581-day wait came to an end at the Sachsenring as Marc Marquez stood on the top step of a MotoGP™ podium once again
Round 8 of the 2021 MotoGP™ World Championship saw the paddock return to the Sachsenring for the first time since 2019 for the German GP. All eyes were firmly planted on one rider, as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was out to defend his King of the Ring title.
The number 93 was undefeated at the German circuit since 2010 and had taken seven consecutive premier class victories prior to lights out, however, this season he faced an unprecedented challenge. In just his sixth race back since returning from injury, question marks lingered over the fitness of the eight-time World Champion but a strong performance in qualifying, taking P5, was cautious cause for optimism.
Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) sat on pole but the Frenchman failed to make that advantage count as he was quickly swallowed up by the chasing pack, which was now led by Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro. However, it didn’t take long for Marquez to make his mark, rolling back the years to take control of the race by the close of the second lap. Catalan GP victor Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who was impressive once again, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) were in pursuit of the RC213V, but they were powerless to resist a rider who had found his groove again. Even the rain couldn’t stop Marquez, with the number 93 ending a 581-day wait to stand on the top step of a MotoGP™ podium once again and remain undisputed of King of the Ring.
