Marc Marquez could experience one of the most important moments of his career in Qatar. Yet, the Ducati rider doesn't seem to be in any hurry to arrive. After his victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Spaniard announced that he would join the team in Losail on Thursday evening, just before the first practice sessions. This decision contrasts sharply with the confidence displayed by his team and comes just hours after Yamaha's resounding withdrawal. This scenario is also likely to pose a problem regarding the media obligations so valued by Liberty Media…
Marc Marquez: “ I will arrive in Qatar as late as possible »
The statement was made to TNT Sports after the Sepang race. " I'm returning to Spain and will arrive in Qatar as late as possible, on Thursday evening. " However, the usual schedule calls for the drivers to be present on Thursday for media obligations.
Marquez therefore intends to limit his stay in the country to the bare minimum. This choice does not constitute a boycott. The Ducati rider confirms his intention to participate in the Grand Prix. But in the current context, this trip reduced to its minimum duration does not go unnoticed. Especially since Marquez could mathematically clinch his tenth world title in Losail.
« I prefer not to say anything ": Marc Marquez's telling silence"
When asked later at a press conference about whether the Qatar Grand Prix should go ahead, Marquez declined to comment. " I prefer not to say anything ." A brief but significant response in a paddock where riders have been holding numerous private meetings to discuss the risks associated with the regional conflict.
It would be excessive to conclude that Marquez personally considers the move dangerous. However, his refusal to publicly comment on the race's continuation confirms his desire not to fuel a controversy that has become particularly sensitive.
The favorite for the title will go and race, but he will not give the organizers a verbal carte blanche.
Acosta prefers Bali, Alex Marquez withdraws
Marc isn't the only one organizing his trip differently. Pedro Acosta , winner of the Malaysian Sprint, plans to spend a few days in Indonesia. " I'm going to Bali to relax a bit, and we'll see what happens after that . " His schedule doesn't constitute a refusal to race either.
Alex Marquez , however, will not participate in the Qatar Grand Prix. The Gresini rider confirmed his withdrawal in order to undergo shoulder surgery . His absence is therefore due to a medical reason, separate from the security controversy.
Tardozzi: “ I'm not worried »
At Ducati, Davide Tardozzi takes a much more categorical stance. " I'm not worried. " The factory team manager asserts that the organizers have addressed the safety concerns. " Everything the riders asked Dorna and Liberty for has been provided by Carlos Ezpeleta ."
According to him, the guarantees allow them to consider the trip with peace of mind. " For the moment, we feel safe ." Tardozzi also emphasizes contractual obligations. " The drivers are under contract with the team, so there's no point in them contacting the organizers ."
He believes that exchanges should follow a precise chain: promoter, teams, then pilots. A hierarchical approach that contrasts sharply with the independent meetings held in Sepang.
Brivio: " We hope to participate in the race »
Davide Brivio , head of TrackHouse Aprilia , adopts a more cautious tone. His team will travel to Qatar with its usual organization. " We are fully committed to the MotoGP championship and the races on the calendar ." But his conclusion on crash.net remains conditional: " We hope to organize a race there ."
A telling nuance highlighting the uncertainty that still surrounds the event. Meanwhile, Yamaha has officially announced its absence , triggering a strong reaction from MotoGP, which is citing contractual and sporting consequences.
So, what do we remember?
- Marquez: arrival Thursday evening, participation planned, but silence on whether the Grand Prix will still take place.
- Ducati: Tardozzi claims to have the necessary guarantees and reminds everyone of the contractual obligations.
- Yamaha: withdrawal confirmed, with possible regulatory consequences.
Marc Marquez could become world champion in Qatar . But before knowing if he will win his tenth title there, another question dominates: why does the future king of MotoGP seem so in no hurry to reach the place of his potential coronation?
