race, I just focused on my rid-
ing—but what a pace! I didn't ex-
pect it! I was about half a second
off my qualifying lap, so that was
amazing. I also felt the pressure
from Rins coming up behind me.
I wanted to make a gap, but then
he made a mistake. I was riding
well and easy, and I was still able
to make a gap to Bagnaia, so I
was so happy. We did an amaz-
ing job! Yesterday we were first
in all the sessions, and today we
won. So, thanks to the team."
Bagnaia came through from
11th on the grid to claim second
in Portimao after a race-long
battle with World Champion Joan
Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar).
Fourth went to Franco Mor-
93 MARC MARQUEZ
7TH MOTOGP
"There were a lot of emo ons this
weekend and when I arrived in
the box, I just exploded, not for
the pain but there was something
inside that needed to come out,"
Marc Marquez said. "I felt so much
support from everyone and espe-
cially my family and friends. To feel
like a MotoGP rider again was the
most important thing and it was a
great feeling. I didn't enjoy today's
race, I suffered a lot, but it was the
most important step in my recov-
ery so far. We were able to finish
the race, that was our main goal—
the posi on didn't ma er but to
finish 13 seconds behind first was
an impossible dream. I think I felt
best when I was riding alone in the
middle of the race, the start of the
race was a bit of a shock a er so
long! The last laps were just about
finishing. Now we look to Jerez."
44 POL ESPARGARO
DNF MOTOGP
"Unfortunately, today we had a
technical problem, some mes it
can happen like this," Pol Espar-
MYOWNRACE
MOTOGP
FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 3 / APRIL 16-18, 2021
ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT / PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL
P84
Alex Rins (42) was
looking good but on the
limit. When Quartararo
got past and began
to stretch a couple of
tenths advantage, Rins
went over that limit and
crashed out.
