While much of the Spanish paddock has long since chosen to settle in Andorra to take advantage of its particularly favorable tax system, Marc Marquez has always made a radically different choice: to remain in Spain. A choice that is neither political, nor ideological, nor even patriotic. It is, quite simply, deeply… Marc Marquez. Because for the Ducati rider, there is only one truly important criterion: performance.
When asked about his refusal to join his compatriots in Andorra, the six-time MotoGP world champion responded with disarming candor: I understand those who want to leave; they are free to do so. But personally, I feel free if I live where I want »
The Spaniard, moreover, makes no judgment on the pilots who have made a different life choice. Andorra offers first-rate sports infrastructure, an ideal environment for altitude training, and above all, a particularly attractive tax system.
A combination that has convinced a large number of Spanish pilots and even some international athletes. Marc MarquezHe, however, is looking elsewhere. The pilot Ducati He readily acknowledges that his financial situation now allows him to largely put the tax issue into perspective. I earn a lot of money, and even after paying my taxes, I still have a lot left over. »
But the main reason for his choice lies elsewhere: he simply believes that living in Spain allows him to be a better MotoGP rider.
Since his terrible right arm injury and multiple surgeries, his daily life has been completely reorganized around his sporting career. I want to live where I feel I can optimize my performance on the track. »
Marc Marquez: “ Since my injury, I need special machines, physiotherapists, and a different training program. »
Having lived for a long time in his hometown of Cervera, Marc Marquez He eventually moved to Madrid for a very practical reason. His body now requires ongoing, high-level care. Now, since my injury, I need special equipment, physiotherapists, and a different training program. I've found an excellent medical team and a very good center in Madrid. »
This statement on crash.net perfectly illuminates the personality of the Spanish champion. Where many top athletes organize their lives around tax or asset considerations, Marquez He continues to make each of his decisions like a MotoGP rider. The only question that interests him seems to be: will this allow me to win more races?
Marc Marquez He did, however, indeed try his luck in Andorra. In an interview given to Spanish television earlier this year, he revealed that he had bought a house in Andorra when he was very young. 22 years and had seriously considered settling there. I'm not going to lie, I tried »
The geographical proximity to Catalonia already explained his numerous stays in the principality. Like many young Spanish pilots, he trained there regularly and was perfectly aware of the advantages it could offer.
But the experiment was short-lived. I lasted two months and then I said: for me, it's Spain and home. »
What is most striking in the pilot's remarks Ducati, it's their perfect consistency with everything that Marc Marquez He has been telling this story for several years. Whether it's drastically limiting his sponsorship days, staying away from social media during Grand Prix weekends, or organizing his daily life around his physical recovery, everything converges towards the same goal: maximizing his athletic performance. Even his place of residence ultimately follows this logic.
At a time when top-level athletes are regularly questioned about their tax choices, Marc Marquez He finally delivers an answer in which he neither seeks to give a moral lesson nor to criticize those who have made a different choice. I'm not doing it to send a message. I'm doing it because that's how I feel. »
The most performance-obsessed driver in the paddock has finally chosen the country that costs him the most in taxes… simply because he believes it gives him the best chance to keep winning.
A decision that ultimately resembles the Marc Marquez we have seen on the circuits for over fifteen years: ready to sacrifice a lot, but rarely what can gain him a few tenths of a second.
DRAMA on Saturday 😞@marcmarquez93 suffered this crash and would miss the race and the #CatalanGP 💥#FrenchGP 🇫🇷 #SeasonSoFar pic.twitter.com/zNNWtt15Vw
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) July 24, 2026