The rain poured down at the Sachsenring on Saturday, but it was Marc Marquez who stood tall above the rest, securing his seventh pole position of the season in a treacherous qualifying session at the German Grand Prix. The Ducati rider once again proved why he’s considered one of the most fearless and skilled competitors in MotoGP, mastering the wet conditions while chaos unfolded around him.
With rain making the circuit dangerously slick, many riders found themselves struggling for grip and visibility. Spray from the bikes and puddles on the track created the perfect storm—quite literally—for mistakes, and the qualifying session quickly turned into a battle of survival and nerve. But as others faltered, Marquez thrived.
The Spaniard was not alone in handling the conditions with skill. Johann Zarco, the seasoned LCR Honda rider, also showed his experience by adapting quickly to the unpredictable grip levels and emerging as Marquez’s closest challenger. The two veterans looked in control throughout the shootout for pole, while many others simply tried to stay upright.
Turn four became the trouble spot of the day, claiming more than one victim. Maverick Viñales and Jack Miller both suffered highside crashes at this corner—losing the rear end before being violently thrown off their bikes. Though the crashes looked dramatic, both riders were fortunate to avoid serious injury, though their chances at a competitive grid position were severely compromised.
Despite his dominant showing, even Marquez wasn’t completely immune to the risks of the wet track. At one point during his qualifying lap, he suffered a sudden rear-end slide that could have ended in disaster. But showcasing the same razor-sharp reflexes and balance that have earned him multiple world championships, Marquez recovered in time to maintain control and continue his flying lap.
After securing pole, Marquez was visibly pleased with the result. “These kinds of sessions are always tricky,” he said. “You need to take risks, but you also need to be smart. I had one big scare, but I managed to save it. The team gave me a great setup and I felt confident on the bike, even in the wet.”
For Zarco, the front-row start is a welcome boost during a season that’s had its share of ups and downs. His ability to navigate the wet conditions and push the pace showed that he’s still a serious contender when everything clicks.
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s race, weather could again play a major role. If the rain returns, Marquez will undoubtedly be seen as the favorite, given his comfort and skill in slippery conditions. However, the unpredictable nature of wet races means nothing is guaranteed.
What is certain is that Marquez has once again reminded the paddock why he’s still one of the best in the business. On a day when many riders were simply trying to survive, he was flying—and with pole number seven in the bag, he’s in prime position to chase another victory at the Sachsenring.