A display that ends up equaling a legend's record

BarcelonaMarco Márquez or Álex Márquez? Álex or Marco? That's the only question at the start of MotoGP: who will finish ahead and, therefore, who will win the corresponding race. The Cervera brothers are monopolizing the start of the championship with an almost insulting advantage. No one can challenge them in the Grands Prix. Not even Pecco Bagnaia, a two-time champion who, on paper, rides the best bike on the grid, but far from fighting for victory, must settle for just a podium finish. And he doesn't always succeed.

In Argentina, victory once again went to Marc Márquez, who has completed a perfect start to the season with four consecutive wins, two in the sprint and two in the feature race. In each case, he was accompanied by his brother on the second step of the podium. But the older brother's triumph has been doubly rewarding, as it has served to equal the 90 World Championship victories that Ángel Nieto achieved in his day. Ahead of him, only Giacomo Agostini (122) and Valentino Rossi (115) remain.

Yes, Marc won, but now he's no longer the only one calling the shots. No more talking about Márquez in the singular. Now it's necessary to do so in the plural and specify who is being referred to. Only two Grands Prix have been contested, but it was enough to show that they manage everything between them. That they fight to the limit and have fun like two little kids. The long race at Termas de Río Hondo was exciting for a good part of the 25 laps because it was unknown who of the two would cross the finish line first. Otherwise, no: they distanced themselves from the group in the first corners and extended and managed their advantage until the end.

Starting from the poleMarc held his position at the start and seemed to have the advantage. Alex overtook Bagnaia and was sticking close behind him until he overtook him on the fourth lap. Marcos didn't lose his nerve; he patiently held on, two tenths behind, waiting for the moment to bite. He managed it, although he gave 200% of his potential and had two scares that could have knocked him off his feet. The eight-time champion won with a lead with five laps to go, making the most of the minimal advantage his factory Ducati had.

Behind him, Morbidelli outbid Bagnaia and completed the podium. The man who until recently was the Ducati team leader came into the pits visibly angry, complaining that his bike wasn't feeling as good as his teammate's. The Italian team says otherwise. The fact is that Marc Márquez leads the championship with 74 points, Àlex is second with 58 and Bagnaia third with 43.