This article is a follow-up . Indeed, after the Japanese Grand Prix, marked by Marc Marquez's defiance, I spoke out about the role the Spaniard should adopt in the face of increasing pressure from Liberty Media . When questioned about the new qualifying format and recent measures, Marquez spoke in Indonesia, stating that we should "keep quiet and deal with it." I disagree.
The responsibility of a champion
I have a lot of trouble with his argument. Marquez, like Acosta for that matter, openly said that you just have to accept it, without any further analysis. That's problematic. You see, for me, champions have a certain responsibility . Marquez, through his talent, has already won nine world titles across the three categories; you could say he's done a lot for the sport, that he has the right to think what he wants. But it goes both ways. He inherited a discipline with its own rules, its own history, and, as the face of MotoGP , he also inherits a great responsibility, whether he likes it or not.
After all, it's this story that made him a multi-millionaire, that brought him fame, that allowed him to etch his name in the history books. It was watching Valentino Rossi and his peers that sparked his passion, that gave meaning to his life. He must therefore be careful with what he has been given , and that's precisely what's happening. Given that he's now more famous than MotoGP itself – ask anyone on the street to name a motorcycle racer other than Rossi and Marquez, and you'll see that we're in a bubble – he has to step up, defend himself, defend the soul of the sport, its history, so that it continues and rewards, in the decades to come, dozens of hungry youngsters like he was in 2010.
If he were a few months from retirement, completely detached from MotoGP, I would understand him more – a bit like Stoner in 2012, for example. But as it stands, Marquez should stay until 2028, firstly, and then he'll nurture great talents like David Alonso, who trains with him, or the rising star Maximo Quiles , fresh off his Moto3 title win . He should fight for them too. That's my point of view, anyway.
Marquez, keep quiet? But why?
Marquez can speak out, he has the right, and, in my opinion, the duty. But he says he shouldn't, that he has to accept it. Why? That's precisely what I struggle to understand. He, his children, and his grandchildren will be financially secure for the rest of their lives. He has nothing left to prove in terms of his sporting achievements and would be widely considered one of the greatest riders of all time even if he were to lose this title race. Besides, he said he's been placing less importance on world championships since his miraculous comeback in 2025. And we're supposed to believe he doesn't have the means to oppose a company that's been in place for less than three years? If he wanted to, Marquez could put an end to this whole charade by threatening to boycott a race, perhaps on a circuit deemed too dangerous, the day the new management truly crosses the line.
Boycotting? Is that even possible? Yes, Kenny Roberts , in the late 1970s, also revolutionized the sport in this way, sometimes opposing the questionable organization of certain races. And I can assure you, the salaries weren't the same! Perhaps it's a question of " courage ," as my colleagues at GPOne so aptly put it in their article on the subject. I certainly share that opinion . And besides, Roberts wasn't the only one; in the late 1980s, which is practically yesterday in historical terms, the best riders in the world didn't hesitate to take a stand. Now, Marquez or Quartararo tell us they don't have time to go to the safety commission to discuss the future of the sport. Ah. And so, why do Bagnaia, Miller, and Marini, the three most dedicated, find the time? As far as I know, they too have contractual obligations, and what's more, they're all fathers. I don't know about you, but seeing Marquez or others say they can't go sounds disrespectful to those who are there all the time.
Conclusion
In my previous article on this subject, I stated that the times called for Marc Marquez. He had to make a choice: respond, or remain silent, and thus, give Liberty Media even more freedom. For now, he has chosen the second option. So, frankly, I no longer really want to hear #93 or Acosta complaining in interviews, saying that careers will be cut short or whatever, because their status can change things, but they have decided, in their own interest, not to go beyond simple press conferences to express themselves.
I'm curious to know if you share my opinion on this subject. Let me know in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
