Marc Marquez has defended his approach to Turn 1 after contact with Marco Bezzecchi in the Qatar Sprint left the Italian rider on the ground. Marquez said he was ahead at the time and had done nothing unusual in the corner, placing the focus on the established line he uses through the opening turn.

Marquez estimated that Bezzecchi was around half a second quicker per lap and outlined the sequence he follows at Turn 1: brake late, run wide and then pick the bike up again. He said the same sequence appears on every lap, whether he is riding alone or alongside other riders. After noticing a motorcycle on the inside, Marquez said he lifted his own machine sharply.

The impact was substantial enough to fully deploy the airbag in Marquez’s racing suit. He compared the incident with the crash in Indonesia and said he tries to avoid contact because he believes his championship position is stronger. Marquez added that a rider approaching from behind knows the situation. He also ended by hoping that Francesco Bagnaia was well after his own crash.