Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has finally returned to the top of MotoGP after wrapping up the 2025 title at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Ant of Cerveza has claimed his seventh premier class championship after finishing second at Motegi. Brother Alex Marquez finished sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix, giving the Ducati rider enough points to seal the deal.
It stands as one of the greatest sporting comebacks in history, with the Spaniard having suffered major setbacks following his crash at Jerez in 2020. It has been a long road to recovery since, with several surgeries and the tough decision to leave Honda for Gresini in 2024.
Michael Laverty says ‘no one’ expected Marquez to compete with the younger generation when he returned to MotoGP. But the 32-year-old has proved his doubters wrong emphatically in 2025, with 25 wins, including Sprints, across the season.
Fabio Quartararo’s six-word message to ‘legend’ Marc Marquez after winning the 2025 MotoGP title
Francesco Bagnaia dominated at Motegi to win the Sprint and Sunday’s race from pole position. But his victory was overshadowed by his teammate, as several key figures rushed to offer their congratulations to the Spaniard.
Jorge Martin sent a message to Marquez on social media after he dethroned him for the title. The Aprilia rider missed the Japanese GP after breaking his collarbone in a crash with teammate Marco Bezzecchi in the Sprint.
Another champion who offered his congratulations to the Ducati rider was Fabio Quartararo. Posting on his Instagram story, the Yamaha star had just six words to say to the 2025 champion: “LEGEND! Congratulations, champ! You deserve it.”
The Frenchman will be hoping to fight with the Ducati rider in 2026 as Yamaha introduce their V4 bike. Pramac boss Paolo Campinoti thinks Quartararo could dethrone Marquez, choosing him and Jorge Martin as riders who could pose a threat to the Spaniard.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats
Could Marc Marquez be forced to give up his No.93 in 2026?
Marquez has now equalled Valentino Rossi’s record for seven MotoGP titles and nine Grand Prix championships. He has given the number one plate back to Ducati, which might be present on his bike against his wishes.
The Spaniard has always raced with the number 93 throughout his career, even dating back to his junior days. Marquez has never used the No.1 after winning the title, but he may have no choice in 2026.
Liberty could force Marquez to use No.1 as they look to expand MotoGP’s profile as the top category. Ducati would be happy to see the plate back on their bike after Martin took it to Aprilia in 2025.
But Marquez would be against the move, reiterating his desire to keep his iconic No.93 next season. Given Ducati’s dominance, it is hard to look past the 32-year-old for the championship on the GP26 in 2026.
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