News Summary
- Marc Márquez believes he is mentally stronger than at any previous point in his MotoGP career, but admits his physical condition remains below its peak.
- The Ducati rider says he has learned to control his aggressive instincts, adapting his riding style after undergoing surgery earlier in 2026.
- Márquez extended his championship lead over Jorge Martín to 44 points with victory in Malaysia, putting an eighth premier-class title within reach.
Marc Márquez believes he has reached the strongest mental condition of his MotoGP career, despite acknowledging that he is no longer physically the rider he once was. Speaking after winning the 2026 Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday (November 1), the Ducati rider explained how injuries, surgery and a change in his approach to racing have transformed him into a more calculated competitor as he closes in on his eighth premier-class world championship.
Asked whether the current version of Márquez was the best of his career, the Spaniard gave a direct answer.
“Mentally, yes, one hundred percent. Physically, no,” Márquez told reporters at Sepang.
Márquez explains how injuries changed his riding style
The seven-time premier-class champion has endured another physically demanding season, including surgery following his crash at Le Mans earlier this year.
Márquez explained that the operation, which addressed a nerve-related problem affecting his right shoulder, forced him to reconsider how he rides.
Rather than describing his recovery simply as rehabilitation, he called it a process of adaptation, particularly in the second half of the championship.
The Ducati rider admitted that controlling his instincts had become essential to maintaining consistent results.
He explained that his previous tendency to attack aggressively was no longer sustainable in every situation, especially while managing the physical limitations left by his injuries.
“I have to be cool-headed and much more calculated,” he said.
Márquez also revealed that his riding technique has changed. Although traditionally exceptional through left-hand corners, he now feels more comfortable controlling the motorcycle through right-hand turns.
He attributed that improvement to changes in his body positioning and the way he manages the motorcycle’s movement.
Malaysia victory strengthens Márquez’s title challenge
The change in approach was evident throughout the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
Márquez attacked from the opening practice session, recognising the opportunity created by Jorge Martín’s absence.
The Aprilia rider was forced to withdraw from Sepang after struggling with the wrist injury sustained during the Australian Grand Prix sprint.
Márquez finished second in Saturday’s sprint before winning Sunday’s race ahead of Pedro Acosta and Álex Márquez.
The results earned him 34 points across the weekend, while Martín failed to score.
The Ducati rider acknowledged the significance of the opportunity but refused to consider the championship decided.
“I feel closer to the title, but I haven’t won it yet,” Márquez said.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining his advantage over Marco Bezzecchi, who has been particularly competitive at circuits remaining on the calendar.
The complete championship standings after Malaysia place Márquez on 399 points, 44 ahead of Martín and 67 clear of Bezzecchi.
Ducati gives Márquez confidence despite physical limitations
Márquez also credited Ducati and the people around him for helping him return to the front of MotoGP.
The Spaniard stressed that success depends on trusting the motorcycle and the team rather than constantly comparing their performance with rival manufacturers.
He believes he has the machinery and technical support needed to extract his maximum potential, despite the physical difficulties he continues to manage.
His comments were echoed by Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna, who praised Márquez’s ability to minimise risks while maintaining race-winning pace.
The Spaniard will have his first opportunity to secure the 2026 MotoGP championship at the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6–8.
However, the event remains surrounded by security concerns following Yamaha’s decision to withdraw its factory and satellite teams from the weekend.
Asked whether he would travel to Qatar, Márquez declined to comment, leaving his position on the controversial event unclear.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following the 2026 MotoGP World Championship with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its MotoGP section.
