Marc Marquez may be favourite for a record-equalling eighth premier-class title this season, but the reigning MotoGP champion says he places fitness above any further accolades.
The Spaniard endured career-threatening injuries to his arm and eyes before leaving Honda for a high-stakes move to Gresini in 2024.
Despite riding year-old machinery, Marquez was soon fighting at the front once again and was chosen to join the factory Ducati team over eventual champion Jorge Martin for 2025.
Marquez then ended a five-year title drought by dominating the championship, with team-mate Francesco Bagnaia later describing the campaign as “without rivals”.
Reflecting on his comeback, Marc Marquez told Spanish radio station Onda Cero:
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“When you’re injured, you’re in a cage. But as soon as the doctor opens it a little, you immediately escape.
“In those three years of injuries, I matured twice as much as in ten years of winning.”
The physical setbacks also shaped how the 33-year-old views the remainder of his career.
“I’d sign to retire without any more injuries. I’d sign for that right now.
“Then winning another world championship? I’ll obviously try.”
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“I’m still not riding the bike like I want”
But even without any further injuries, the nine-time world champion is far from fully fit.
The Spaniard continues to recover from a season-ending shoulder injury at Mandalika last October, after being clipped from behind by Marco Bezzecchi.
“I already understood in the Buriram test that in some moments, especially in right corners, I’m not able to save it. I lose the bike,” Marquez said at the Thai season opener.
“I’m still not riding the bike like I want. So I need to keep improving my physical condition, together with my riding style.”
The reduced strength in his healing shoulder prompted Marquez to begin the season using Ducati’s less physically demanding 2024 aerodynamic package.
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However, the injury continues to affect braking and corner entry.
“The entry of the corner at the moment, I’m not feeling good,” Marquez explained.
“The braking position… And if you don’t brake in a good position, then you are not in the perfect position in the middle of the corner.
“The operation affected the pectoral and deltoid muscles, where I need more ‘push’ under braking.”
Marquez finished second in the Buriram Sprint after receiving a late penalty for contact with KTM’s Pedro Acosta, then retired from fourth place in the grand prix due to wheel rim damage.
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That means Marquez will head to round two of the season, the inaugural round at Goiania in Brazil, trailing MotoGP title leader and rumoured 2027 team-mate Acosta by 23 points.
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