Marquez: New game like getting a new bike...

Alex Marquez may be yet to start a MotoGP race, but the rookie has already emerged as one of the favourites in the Virtual series, created to help fill the void caused by the coronavirus.

The Moto2 title winner - stepping up to join older brother and reigning MotoGP champion Marc at Repsol Honda this season - won the inaugural digital contest around Mugello, then claimed third behind Francesco Bagnaia and Maverick Vinales at the Red Bull Ring.

Marquez: New game like getting a new bike...

Peter McLaren

01 May 2020

Alex Marquez, MotoGP, Virtual Race,
© Repsol Honda

Alex Marquez may be yet to start a MotoGP race, but the rookie has already emerged as one of the favourites in the Virtual series, created to help fill the void caused by the coronavirus.

That means Alex is currently ranked second, just four points from Bagnaia, on the unofficial Virtual standings.

This Sunday's race will be held at Marquez's home Jerez circuit, coinciding with what should have been the start of the European season.

Unlike the previous Virtual events, there will be a full roster of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 races broadcast on Sunday, with riders also using the latest MotoGP 2020 Playstation game for the first time.

“Another new challenge for this third Virtual Grand Prix with the new MotoGP 2020 game," Alex said. "A new game is a bit like getting a new bike, you know the base, but you need to push and experiment a little bit to find what those last differences are – the ones that really make the difference.

"Jerez is a fun track to play as you can use a few different lines in some places. I’m looking forward to the race, I just hope everyone is a little calmer than in the Red Bull Ring, and once again I hope we can make something that people enjoy this Sunday.”

Marc admits he's playing catch-up to his brother in the digital world, finishing fifth and fourth in the previous encounters.

“Jerez is a track I know very well, but I’ve had to study it again in the game to try and find some advantages. The Honda in the MotoGP 2020 game is good and after playing around with the setup I am able to put the bike where I want.

"I think that like in the last two races, staying out of trouble will be important as we saw a lot of riders really on the limit. But it’s all good fun, I’ve enjoyed the other two Virtual Grands Prix and the fans really seem to enjoy a lot.”

Racing will be shown at 15:00 CET on Sunday, May 3 with Qualifying highlights just before the 13-lap MotoGP race.

Virtual Grand Prix of Spain – Rider line-up

MotoGP:

Repsol Honda Team: Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez

Ducati Team: Danilo Petrucci

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP: Maverick Viñales

Team Suzuki Ecstar: Alex Rins

Petronas Yamaha SRT: Fabio Quartararo

Pramac Racing: Francesco Bagnaia

Reale Avintia Racing: Tito Rabat

Red Bull KTM Tech 3: Miguel Oliveira, Iker Lecuona

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini: Lorenzo Savadori