From Podium Hopes to Pitfalls: Marc Marquez’s Austrian GP Dream Derailed at the Start Line

Clarified: The Mishap That Spoiled Marc Marquez's Start at the Austrian MotoGP

A breakdown of the events that led to Marc Marquez's immediate setback at the Austrian MotoGP

Marc Marquez approached the Austrian MotoGP optimistic about securing a podium spot, buoyed by his impressive speed in Saturday’s Sprint, but his aspirations were dashed just moments into the race.

Marquez's issues started when he arrived at the starting line because his bike's front ride holeshot mechanism failed to activate as he slowed down to take his position on the grid.

Shortly before pulling up to his third-place starting spot and the race beginning, Marquez couldn't adjust his start device in time. Consequently, he was forced to commence the race without its assistance.

Results of the 2024 Austrian MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring

Overcoming an early setback, Marc Marquez rallied from 13th position to finish fourth 🏍️ #MotoGP #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/lbXpAqxeH3

This indicated that Marquez started at a significant disadvantage compared to his opponents, causing him to lose ground right from the start.

An incident involving Franco Morbidelli, where they collided while decelerating for the initial corner, forced them both into the run-off area at turn one. Marquez managed to get back on the circuit in 14th position, eventually climbing his way back to finish in fourth place.

In the final moments of the race, Marc Marquez was the only competitor consistently clocking times in the mid-1:30s, aside from the race's ultimate victor, Francesco Bagnaia. This suggests that Marquez could have contended for the top spot against Bagnaia if not for the problems he encountered early on.

MotoGP.com's trackside correspondent, Simon Crafar, clarified: "At the moment you approach the starting line, it's crucial to apply significant pressure on the brakes, which is the reason riders perform a stoppie to activate the front mechanism. In Marc's case, it wasn't activated."

The instance Marquez arrived at the starting line in Austria, even before the race commenced, marked the point where he forfeited the race.

A disastrous beginning for Marc Marquez at the #AustrianGP 😱 #MotoGP | Watch live on TNT Sports and Discovery+ pic.twitter.com/1tYnWZ3eMQ— MotoGP on TNT Sports (@motogpontnt) August 18, 2024

"Marquez didn't win the race," Alex Lowes commented during a TNT Sports interview. "It was unfortunate. The moment I noticed his motorcycle wasn't prepared, and his equipment wasn't turned on, I knew his race had ended."

"Marc's performance, marked by five or six solid passes, indicates he was on track to contest for a position within the second group. He could have challenged Bastianini for a spot on the podium."

It's encouraging to witness Marc's performance, yet his race was essentially decided in the initial 10 seconds.

"You noticed his frustration since it was an opportunity for him to stand on the podium."

Michael Laverty described the challenges involved in initiating a modern MotoGP motorcycle without the use of the starting device.

"Laverty explained to TNT Sports, likening it to launching a road bike from a standstill, it'll reach 100km/h in just three seconds."

"The others are increasing their speed by one second over that short distance of a few hundred meters."

His time in the game had come to an end. It was fortunate for him that he could remain. For the majority of competitors, the rear collision [with Morbidelli] would typically cause them to [release] their grip on the handlebars. However, in this case, he proved to be particularly resilient and robust.

"He was compelled to counter. He reached within himself for strength. Today might have brought him a place among the top finishers, but the moment he positioned himself and the starting mechanism failed to activate, his chances were dashed."

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