The Spanish Grand Prix is an event that conjures up emotions in MotoGP; it’s been the scene of countless battles, unbridled joy and utter heartbreak. 2024’s version was one of the best races seen at the track and indeed of the season but what about Jerez’s past? If you’re new to the sport, check out these fantastic five to get yourself warmed up for an unforgettable MotoGP this weekend.
1996: Doohan vs Criville goes to the last corner
The 1996 Spanish Grand Prix is one of those GPs that you watch back time and time again and it gives you the same goosebumps each time. A head-to-head between teammates and a huge crowd cheering on home-star Alex Criville, it was passion and drama at every turn. Going into the stadium section on the final lap, the crowd had got onto the track as Criville led World Champion Mick Doohan; both got through unscathed before Doohan lunged at the final corner. He got the move bagged but just as Criville opened the throttle, he highsided out of the GP, a few hundred metres from the finish line. It was the start of 11 straight podiums for the Australian, whilst the Spaniard’s first win of 1996 was on pause until Brno.
2005: the absolute classic between titans
The opening round of the MotoGP season in 2005 was another one for the history books; Valentino Rossi vs Sete Gibernau, no love lost between either after a fraught 2004 title fight. ‘The Doctor’ led his arch-rival going onto the final lap but a mistake at Turn 6 allowed Gibernau through; Rossi tried to respond but the #15 had the advantage going into Turns 9 and 10. Rossi, never one to give in, tried a bold move at Turn 11 but Gibernau came back through at Turn 12, leaving it all down to the last corner. With the door slightly ajar, Gibernau was pounced on by Rossi; the two collided, sending the Spaniard into the gravel as the #46 wheelied to the line. Harsh words between personnel of both riders in Parc Ferme and a tense podium stand-off (both awkwardly waiting for a handshake being the centre point) ensued. One of the best Spanish GPs? Undoubtedly. Pure theatre? Absolutely.
2011: drama in the wet; ambition and talent
One round into 2011 and there was already a pattern. Casey Stoner was the rider to beat at Repsol Honda whilst his Ducati replacement Valentino Rossi struggled. With Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and the excitement of the late-great Marco Simoncelli, it was going to be a vintage year. Jerez was no different but a wet GP always throws a curveball. Despite Rossi’s Ducati woes, he was strong in the wet and on Lap 8, went to pass Stoner at Turn 1. He fell and took the Australian down before remounting, whilst Stoner’s GP was done, sarcastically applauding his rival the next lap round from trackside. In the box after the chequered flag, the famous phrase: “Maybe your ambition outweighed your talent,” from Stoner to Rossi. Elsewhere, Marco Simoncelli led before falling at Turn 1 too whilst just a lap from home, Colin Edwards had to retire with mechanical issues, giving Nicky Hayden a last podium.
2013: Marquez vs Lorenzo in Turn 13 showdown
Marc Marquez was already making waves in 2013 and after becoming a Grand Prix winner in America, the following round was a chance to back-up his fierce opening two rounds. Instead, it was teammate Dani Pedrosa who made it three winners from three Grand Prix but behind, drama was brewing. Like in 1996 and 2005 – but this time for P2 – Turn 13 caused a stir; Lorenzo held second going into it but again, with the door open enough, Marquez bounced on through and connected with the #99. P2 for Marquez whilst the wag of the finger in Parc Ferme from Lorenzo showed his anger at the situation.
2020: a first win for Quartararo, Marquez suffers injury amidst fight back
The first Grand Prix after a pause for the pandemic, 2020’s Spanish Grand Prix really was a bookmark in the sport’s history for many reasons. Fabio Quartararo looked majestic at the start of his second season but Marc Marquez was extraordinary. However, the #93 made on of his famous saves at Turn 4 on Lap 5, dropping from the lead to 16th place. This promoted Maverick Viñales into the lead before ‘El Diablo’ danced on through, remaining there until the end for a maiden premier class victory. Meanwhile, fighting his way back through, Marquez was riding in a miraculous manner, climbing well into the top ten. On Lap 20, he got into the podium places and looked set to get P2 before a huge highside at Turn 3. This time though, it wasn’t just another spectacular #93 crash. Out for the season and then struggling with other injuries, issues and the Honda itself, the chapter in orange was ending.
Now, five years later, Marc leads the Championship in a stunning sporting comeback, heading to the track where one comeback was left incomplete.