Marc Marquez continued his stellar form this MotoGP season by securing his seventh pole position during a treacherous qualifying session for the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring on Saturday. The Ducati rider showcased exceptional skill and composure under wet and unpredictable conditions that caught several riders off guard and led to dramatic moments throughout the session.
Heavy rain descended upon the Sachsenring circuit ahead of qualifying, transforming the track into a slick and hazardous surface. Spray from the tires combined with low grip made visibility poor and control even harder to maintain. The conditions posed a true test of a rider’s balance, throttle control, and instincts — and for the most part, the grid struggled.
Yet, in the midst of the mayhem, two veterans stood out with supreme confidence and craft. Marquez, ever the rain specialist, thrived under pressure and maintained his usual aggressive but calculated riding style to clock the fastest lap time. Not far behind him was fellow veteran Johann Zarco of LCR Honda, who also seemed comfortable in the challenging environment. The Frenchman joined Marquez in producing a masterclass in wet-weather racing, the pair clearly demonstrating their years of experience.
Turn four turned out to be the most dangerous part of the track. Both Maverick Viñales and Jack Miller suffered highside crashes at this corner—losing rear grip mid-corner and being flung from their machines in classic wet-race fashion. Fortunately, both riders escaped serious injuries, but their qualifying sessions were cut short, leaving them with a mountain to climb on race day.
Marquez wasn’t entirely immune to the treacherous conditions himself. While he ultimately looked in control for most of the session, he experienced a heart-stopping moment when the rear of his bike suddenly stepped out during a fast section of the track. In typical Marquez fashion, he reacted swiftly and managed to save what looked like an inevitable crash, underlining his incredible balance and reflexes.
After the session, Marquez was visibly pleased but admitted it had been one of the more difficult qualifying runs of the season. “It was really tricky today,” he said. “These conditions test everything — your mental focus, your setup, and your connection with the bike. I had one big moment out there, but I managed to stay up and keep pushing. I’m really happy with the pole.”
Zarco, too, expressed satisfaction with his second-place start, noting the importance of experience in conditions like these. “When the grip is this low and the spray is everywhere, you rely a lot on your feel for the bike,” Zarco said. “I’m happy to be on the front row and hope we can turn it into something more tomorrow.”
With the weather forecast still uncertain for race day, the riders and teams will be preparing for all possibilities. Should the rain continue, Marquez’s confidence and expertise in the wet could prove decisive once again.
As the grid prepares for Sunday’s showdown, one thing is clear—Marc Marquez is not just back, he’s leading the way, rain or shine.