Marc Marquez not only added another line to his list of achievements with his ninth world title – his seventh in MotoGP – he also completed one of the most dramatic chapters in the modern history of motorsport. Two legends of the sport, Mick Doohan and Alex Criville, have spoken in recent days about the significance of this victory acquired in Motegi, after years marked by injuries and doubts.
The former five-time world champion from Australia knows all too well the pain of injury and the trials and tribulations that legendary drivers go through. Doohan, who himself had to rebuild his career after an accident in Assen, sees in this ninth title of Marquez much more than just a trophy:
« Marc and I spoke several times during his recovery. Few people can understand what he was going throughHe had something unfinished, and that's what drove him to fight every day to get back to the top.. »
For Doohan, the Spaniard found motivation in the very challenge that could have kept him away from the circuits:
« So many injuries and surgeries force you to dig deep within yourself. What he accomplished demonstrates incredible mental strength. and also explains the humility he displays today »
The Australian believes that this title has a unique flavor: " This consecration is particularly gratifying for Marc, especially because he thought about retirementHis injury seemed endless. But I'm sure that in hindsight, he'll think it was all worth it. »
Another historic world champion and Honda figure, Alex Criville also praised the feat of MarquezSpeaking to DAZN, he described a title that was both anticipated and emotionally charged:
« I experienced this moment calmly, because Marc had all the cards to become champion. But he still had to do it. A fall, a mechanical problem, a collision can ruin everything. This year, his title was in his pocket, but he had to confirm it »
« Marc Marquez taught us that we should never give up. »
For Criville, this seventh coronation MotoGP is not a title like the others:
« This title sounds like his very first one. Marc rode with an almost youthful intensity, while maintaining an impressive calmHe comes out of several years of suffering, knew how to choose Ducati at the right time and show that he was still hungry »
The Spanish champion insists on the lesson given by Marquez: " He taught us that we should never give up. Deep down, Marc always knew he was the best, and that's what gave him the wings to continue.. »
À 32 years, Marquez not only equaled Valentino Rossi in number of world titles; he even seems ready to go further. Criville sees him capable of pushing his limits further:
« I think he still has a lot of room. He is in an ideal period: more mature, very clear on what he needs to winLike Toni Bou in trials, he can continue to progress. If he stays motivated, other titles are possible. »
Between the recognition of a Doohan marked by the same physical trials and the admiration of a Criville Aware of Marquez's mental transition, this ninth title goes beyond the sporting framework.
It tells of a rebirth: that of a pilot who, after having thought of stopping everything, chose the pain, the work and the audacity of a radical change (Honda and Ducati) to become champion again.
If some still doubted that Marc Marquez can rise again and become the boss of MotoGP, Motegi 2025 has definitively closed the debate. And according to the legends themselves, the story may not be over yet.
