Alex Marquez believes he shares a familiar MotoGP story with fellow Catalan rider Sete Gibernau, with both finding themselves finishing behind dominant champions despite showing the potential to win a world title.
The comparison is difficult to ignore. Gibernau finished runner-up in the premier class in 2003 and 2004 while competing against Valentino Rossi, while Alex has found himself battling behind his older brother, eight-time world champion Marc Marquez.
Speaking at the German Grand Prix, Alex openly acknowledged the similarities between their careers.
"I'm like Sete Gibernau in that we're both world championship runners-up," said the 30-year-old.
He also suggested that their careers could have looked very different without the presence of their respective rivals.
"I also think that we're probably similar in that, without those two riders, we'd both be world champions today."
Gibernau's connection with Alex became even more significant at the Sachsenring. Alex raced in a special retro livery inspired by Gibernau's famous 2003 German Grand Prix victory, when the Spaniard narrowly defeated Rossi while riding for Gresini Honda.
The livery was part of Gresini Racing's 30th anniversary celebrations and paid tribute to one of the team's most memorable victories.
The Sachsenring weekend initially looked promising for Alex. Still recovering from a serious crash in Barcelona in May, he qualified second and finished runner-up to Marc in Saturday's sprint, once again showing that he could challenge his brother for the top positions.
However, his Sunday race ended in disappointment.
Racing in the Gibernau-inspired colours, Alex crashed out on lap nine at the Queckenbergkurve while running near the front. The incident ended his hopes of another strong result and highlighted the fine margins that continue to define his season.
Despite the setback, Alex's comparison with Gibernau reflects how his MotoGP career has developed. Like the former Gresini rider, he has proven capable of fighting at the sharp end of the championship, but has had to compete during an era dominated by an exceptional rival.
For Alex, that rival happens to be his own brother.
