Marc Márquez went through two distinct phases in the 2026 MotoGP season. Initially, the Spaniard faced physical limitations, but by returning to the operating room for another procedure on his right shoulder, he managed to turn the tide and plunge headfirst into the MotoGP title fight.

Injuries haunting the No. 93 is nothing new. Late last year, right after clinching the MotoGP crown, Marc was taken down by Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia and injured his shoulder, forcing him to miss the final stretch of the season. Álex’s brother underwent the necessary treatment, but returned to action feeling that something was still off.

Marc Márquez celebrated his 10th Sachsenring victory with a crown (Video: MotoGP)

Following a more detailed examination, doctors noticed that screws from previous surgeries had been damaged in the Mandalika crash and were impinging on the radial nerve, causing the discomfort felt by the factory Ducati rider.

Marc had no alternative: he needed another surgery. Originally scheduled to take place after the Catalan GP, the procedure was brought forward due to a heavy crash in the French sprint race. Facing a foot fracture, the multi-time champion was taken into surgery for two different reasons simultaneously.

However, the elder Márquez missed only a single Grand Prix—Barcelona—and that brief absence proved vital in keeping his championship hopes alive. On top of returning stronger, Marc capitalized on a string of setbacks for Marco Bezzecchi, slashing a gap to the championship leader that had once surpassed 100 points.

MotoGP 2026 Alemanha Sachsenring Domingo Ducati Marc Márquez
Marc Márquez botou temporada no lugar após cirurgia no ombro (Foto: Ducati)

Dominant in both Hungary and Germany—where he claimed double victories in the Sprint and Sunday GP—Márquez was equally clinical in the Czech Republic with a main race win, while successfully minimizing damage in the Netherlands. Bagging 119 points over the last four rounds, the Cervera native surged up the Riders’ Standings into third place, cutting his deficit to leader Jorge Martín down to a mere 18 points.

Marc, however, didn’t pull off the turnaround entirely on his own. After being caught off guard by Aprilia’s early-season form, Ducati worked tirelessly behind the scenes to sharpen the Desmosedici, restoring parity with Noale’s RS-GP.

As a result, Marc now has a more competitive bike under him and is physically healthier for the fight ahead. The second half of the season promises plenty of drama.