Marc Marquez has now cancelled his ‘holidays’ to make sure he’s back for MotoGP testing

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Marc Marquez is known to take drastic measures when it comes to injury, and he looks to be taking another one ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season.

Following his dominance at Honda in the 2010s, the Spaniard’s career came to an abrupt halt in 2020. A serious crash at Jerez left him with a fractured humerus in his right arm, which marked the start of a lengthy recovery with major setbacks.

Marquez returned too soon, trying to get back onto his Honda at the next race, but he aggravated the injury. Multiple surgeries followed, as did several major crashes when he eventually returned to MotoGP.

Marquez became a different person after his injury, his brother Alex Marquez said. Frustration took over the Spaniard during his rehabilitation, which ultimately led to his exit from Honda; he wanted to be champion again.

Moving to Gresini in 2024, he joined the factory Ducati team in 2025 and dominated the championship with 11 Grand Prix wins and 14 Sprint victories. He wrapped up the title at Motegi before he ended up back on the sidelines at Mandalika.

Marc Marquez has cancelled his ‘holidays’ to make sure he returns for MotoGP testing

Marquez crashed with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia, resulting in the Spaniard suffering damaged ligaments in his right shoulder. Fortunately, it did not affect his previous injury, although doctors discovered Marquez had bent a screw in his arm in the accident.

Not wanting to take any more risks, as the title was already won and knowing from previous experiences, the 32-year-old opted to sit out the remainder of the season. Michele Pirro and Nicolo Bulega took his place for two races each to close out 2025.

The focus is now on 2026 and his recovery. Marquez hopes to return by the Sepang test in February, but did not guarantee that he would be there.

That is why he is fully focused on his rehabilitation, and he has even admitted that he has cancelled his holiday plans. He said via AS at a recent event: “This is what it is this year. If I want to be ready on time, there are no holidays.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

How Marc Marquez’s injury will affect Ducati’s preparations for 2026

Naturally, Ducati will want Marquez to take his time and ensure that he returns to the grid fully fit, ready for his title defence in 2026.

However, his injury has no doubt had an effect on the Borgo Panigale outfit’s preparations, especially when it comes to testing. They did not have the ultimate reference for the GP26 during the Valencia test.

Given Marquez’s dominance in 2025 and being the only rider to get a feel for the GP25 this season, it could be damaging when it comes to improving the bike. However, Ducati have other talented riders to call upon, including Alex Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia.

The Marquez brothers and Bagnaia agree on the GP26 in that the current foundation is a good start. If they can continue that progression, there is no reason why they should not be considered as favourites in 2026.