Alex Marquez: We touched, I crashed

So far, three riders have emerged head-and-shoulders over the rest in MotoGP's new Virtual world.

Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia had one digital victory each heading into round three at Jerez - broadcast on Sunday - with Maverick Vinales a double podium finisher.

When Bagnaia and Marquez emerged from the first-turn Virtual Spanish GP carnage at the front of the pack, the pair looked set for a close duel to become the first double winner of the year.

But when Bagnaia ran slightly wide through the stadium section on the opening lap, Marquez cut inside and was 'bar-to-'bar with Bagnaia at the following apex, where contact sent the Repsol Honda rider on the ground.

The incident dropped Marquez down to seventh but he fought all the way back to second place, with race leader Bagnaia in sight, only to make another mistake and fall on lap 11 of 13.

Bagnaia made his own error later on the same lap, which would have put Marquez into the lead. Instead, it was Vinales who inherited victory, with Marquez second and Bagnaia third.

"We had a good fight, on the first lap with Pecco, we touched and - I don’t know why - but I crashed," Alex said.

"Then I was recovering the gap to Pecco but I crashed again. Pecco crashed one time today, Vinales two. There were many crashes! It seems like our first time with this [MotoGP 2020] game we made more mistakes.

"I’m confident that without the crashes I could have won, but the second place moves us to the top of the points and it was fun, which is the most important thing.

"I enjoy putting on a show for the fans and it’s nice to have some jokes with the other riders. Next time we aim to go one better!”

Vinales, Alex Marquez and Bagnaia are now all tied for the lead of the unofficial Virtual MotoGP standings.

Alex's brother, team-mate and reigning champion Marc finished in fourth place and is also fourth in the points standings, albeit ready 24-points from the leaders.