Marc Marquez takes 90th Grand Prix victory, matching Ángel Nieto

Marc Marquez secured his 90th career Grand Prix win, equaling Ángel Nieto’s record and strengthening his legacy in MotoGP.

Ducati Lenovo's Spanish rider Marc Marquez (left) and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP's Spanish rider Alex Marquez celebrate after finishing first and second, respectively, in the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, on March 16, 2025. Photo by Luis Robayo/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez made history in MotoGP by securing his 90th career Grand Prix victory, equaling the legendary Ángel Nieto’s record. This achievement further cements his status as one of the greatest riders in motorcycle racing. Marquez dominated the race with a remarkable performance, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of excellence and strategic mastery on the track.

From the moment the lights went out, Marquez took control of the race, surging ahead from pole position. His aggressive start allowed him to dictate the pace, while his younger brother, Alex Marquez, closely followed, setting up a thrilling sibling battle. The pair had already showcased their competitive edge in previous rounds, including Buriram and the Las Termas sprint, but this time, the stakes were even higher.

Morbidelli challenges Marquez

While Alex Marquez posed a strong challenge, it was Franco Morbidelli who emerged as Marc Marquez’s primary rival in the early laps. The Italian, utilizing soft tires, displayed an aggressive approach, attempting to unsettle the race leader. Despite Morbidelli's best efforts, Marquez remained composed, managing his pace and tire wear effectively.

As the race progressed, Alex Marquez made a decisive move, overtaking Marc to briefly take the lead. Unlike the orchestrated strategy in Thailand, this was not part of a pre-planned team tactic. Marc later admitted that his original intention was to stay in front and control the race tempo from the beginning.

A shift in strategy

“I just wanted to stay at the front and maintain my rhythm throughout the race,” Marquez explained. “I had discussed this with Alex beforehand, and he understood that I would push harder in the middle stages.”

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team during the race of the MotoGP of Argentina at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo on March 16, 2025, in Rio Hondo, Argentina. Photo by Gold & Goose/LAT Images

However, an unexpected mistake forced him to alter his approach. For the first time in the race, Marquez found himself trailing his brother, a scenario he had not anticipated.

“Alex really pushed me today. I admire him for keeping such a strong pace consistently. At one point, I thought I would have to settle for second place,” Marquez admitted.

Refusing to concede, the six-time MotoGP champion took calculated risks to reclaim the lead. Adjusting his riding style to accommodate the medium rear tire’s wear, he found the balance needed to execute a decisive move in the final laps.

Marquez's decisive move

Despite Alex Marquez leading for 17 of the 25 laps, Marc made his move at a crucial moment, regaining control and establishing a 1.3-second gap by the checkered flag. This victory not only secured his place in MotoGP history but also propelled him to the top of the world championship standings, overcoming a 34-point deficit to Francesco Bagnaia.

After crossing the finish line, Marquez took a moment to honor Ángel Nieto, the Spanish racing icon who laid the foundation for generations of riders. Instead of immediately removing his racing suit, he paid tribute to Nieto, acknowledging his profound impact on Spanish motorcycle racing.

A tribute to Ángel Nieto

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team at parc fermé after winning the MotoGP Gran Premio YPF Energía de Argentina at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo on March 16, 2025, in Rio Hondo, Argentina. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

“It is incredibly emotional to reach the same milestone as Ángel Nieto,” Marquez said. “This achievement is not just for me, but for all of Spain. Without Ángel, Spanish riders wouldn’t be where we are today. He was a pioneer who opened the doors for us, both through his success and his personality.”

With his 90th victory, Marc Marquez moves one step closer to surpassing Nieto’s record, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest riders. As he eyes his next milestone, Marquez remains focused on the championship battle, eager to continue making history in MotoGP.