While Márquez took his eighth Sachsenring victory, all eyes were on hometown hero Jonas Folger, who finished on sensational second place!
Márquez maintained the lead from pole but was challenged throughout by Folger, who rapidly overhauled the fast-starting Jorge Lorenzo and Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa. Folger even managed to pass the Repsol Hondas of Márquez and Dani Pedrosa to sensationally lead the early stages of the race.
After intense battle with Márquez, Folger ran deep into Turn 1 with three laps remaining and Márquez rapidly increased his advantage. Folger, despite slipping back from Márquez during the final laps, held a substantial buffer back to third-placed Pedrosa to register his first podium in the premier class.
Maverick Viñales made a big progress from 11th on the grid and worked his way forward to capture fourth spot, ahead of Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi. Álvaro Bautista was another to improve on his grid position as he claimed sixth position, in front of Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaró and Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso, who entered the weekend at the top of the standings.
Johann Zarco finished in ninth place, in front of Cal Crutchlow, while Lorenzo gradually slipped down the field after his charging start and classified 11th.
Championship standings are getting very intense. Márquez now takes over the world championship lead by 5 points heading into the summer break.
1. Marc Márquez – 129 points
2. Maverick Viñales – 124 points
3. Andrea Dovizioso – 123 points
4. Valentino Rossi – 119 points
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