MotoGP, Marc Marquez: "When I ride in a trance, I no longer see the danger"

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has revealed a particular mental state he experiences while racing: "trance," a state of extreme concentration where the perception of risk disappears. A double-edged sword, as his crash in Austin while dominating the Grand Prix proved.

Marc Marquez is not only an exceptional champion, he is also a man who constantly flirts with the limits. In an exchange with motorsport.com Spain life motorsport total, the pilot Ducati lifted the veil on a mental phenomenon as mysterious as it is revealing of his style: piloting trance.

« It's true that some pilots go into a trance, which means they are particularly focused. Normally, When I'm in a trance, I don't see the risk " he confesses with disarming sincerity.

During the weekend at Austin, on his favorite track, Marquez embodied this feeling. Winner of the sprint, dominant in the race, he was heading towards an unstoppable one-two… until a tiny error at turn 4.

« I was riding smoothly, with that extra confidence I mentioned in Argentina, and again in Austin. In those moments, It's as if nothing can happen. But in a millisecond, anything can happen. »

His description of this state evokes a form of mechanical ecstasy, an absolute "flow": pure concentration, heightened intuition... and a total lack of perception of danger. A formidable asset, but also a psychological razor's edge.

Marc Marquez: “ In MotoGP, thinking means losing half a second, or even a second. »

When we talk about the pilots of Formula 1 who sometimes admit to letting themselves go with everyday thoughts while racing, Marquez slice : " maybe they have more time in Formula 1In MotoGP, thinking means losing half a second, or even a second. You have to be extremely precise. »

And yet, the now official Ducati acknowledges that this has already happened to him: " Three or four years ago, when I finished tenth or twelfth, I sometimes thought about something else.. » But today, in the struggle for victories, he is inhabited by the moment: « When you're in the top three, all you think about is racing. »

This rare testimony offers a window into the psychology of one of the greatest pilots in history. Marc Marquez wins not only because of his talent or his legendary aggression, but also because he knows how to immerse himself in a state where he and the bike become one. A trance that makes him untouchable... or vulnerable to the slightest failure. This is the price you pay for being a riding genius.