Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez says he doubts he will race into his 40s as arch rival Valentino Rossi did during his career.

Valentino Rossi’s glittering grand prix career began in 1996 in the 125cc class and finally drew to a close at the conclusion of the 2021 MotoGP season.

During that period, the Italian carved himself out as one of the greatest riders of all time, winning world titles in the 125cc and 250cc categories, before scoring seven in MotoGP with Honda and Yamaha between 2001 and 2009.

Rossi continued to win races well into his 30s, taking his final victory at the 2017 Dutch Grand Prix when he was 38.

He scored his last podium in 2020, when he was 41, before retiring at the end of the following year.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Marquez “won’t make it to 40”

In an Estrella Galicia 0,0 event recently, in what proved to be a wide-ranging interview, Marc Marquez spoke about his career and its longevity.

The factory Ducati rider turned 33 this year as he embarks on his 14th season in the premier class.

Marquez was two years older than Rossi was in 2009 when he equalled the Italian’s total of seven MotoGP titles.

The Spaniard also faced a comeback from a serious arm injury in 2020, which required four major operations over two years to fully correct.

Asked about his long his career has left, Marquez said: “You have to weigh everything.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m only 33, I hope to extend my career as long as possible, but I’ve also undergone several surgeries.

“I won’t even make it to 40, don’t worry.”

Marquez heads into this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix trailing by 23 points in the championship after a mixed season-opener in Thailand.

He controversially lost victory in the sprint after being handed a one-place penalty before the chequered flag for an aggressive move on eventual winner Pedro Acosta.

Marquez was on course for a podium in the grand prix at Buriram, but was forced out late on when his rear wheel sensationally failed when he ran over the exit kerb at Turn 4.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter