MotoGP's Marc Marquez, the 2025 champion, is present in Valencia: "This new fracture hasn't aggravated my other injuries. So I'll be in top form in 2026."

Freshly crowned 2025 MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez returned to Valencia this weekend, not to fiercely defend a final victory, but in an unusual role: observer. Having suffered a violent crash in Indonesia in October, following contact with Marco Bezzecchi, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider is ending the year on the sidelines, helmet under his arm and his gaze fixed on the pit wall.

When questioned by MotoGP during FP2, the champion did not try to hide the paradox of the moment: A little strange », He admitted.

For such a competitive driver, watching the battle without being able to participate is a form of silent torture. Marquez He also knows that he avoided the worst: the accident occurred after his victory in Motegi, which had been mathematically secured a week earlier.

The pilot himself said: The injury came at a time when we should have been celebrating, but in the end, She arrived at the best possible time because everything was finalized. »

Despite the pain and forced immobility, Marquez He categorically rejects the idea that this injury has tarnished his championship performance:

« Ups and downs, certainly, but This injury will have no impact on how I celebrate this championship. »

The situation nonetheless has serious sporting consequences: Marc Marquez will miss not only the Valencia race, but also Tuesday's crucial tests, the first hands-on experience with the Ducati 2026.

Marc Marquez: “ With the right shoulder, you must pay particular attention to the smallest detail. »

The nightmare of 2020 – his long absence after a too-rapid return – remains ever-present in the rider's mind. This time, he will take no risks. His 2026 preparation will begin later than everyone else's, and he accepts that. The main focus of his work is on his right shoulder, which already underwent surgery after 2019.

« Of course, this takes timeBecause with the right shoulder, you have to pay particular attention to the smallest detail. "He says.

Marc Marquez He details his roadmap: the bone must first fully heal, rehabilitation began this week, more intense exercises will begin in "two or three weeks", the return to a MotoGP will only take place in February, in Sepang.

The plan is clear: to be in top form by the time 2026 arrives. And the outlook is encouraging:

« Everything is going well, and most importantly, this new fracture hasn't aggravated my other injuries. So I'll be in top form in 2026. »

Marc Marquez exchange the adrenaline of Valencia against the assurance of a triumphant return in 2026. His absence is a strategic gamble. While his rivals are constantly developing new strategies, he's betting everything on a full recovery. It's a bold bet, but the champion has proven he knows how to play the long game. The king is injured, but his throne is secure. This forced rest is merely an intermission before the master's return.