Ducati staff privately admit Marc Marquez may not be at his ‘very best’ at Brazilian Grand Prix

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Marc Marquez will be looking to get some points on the board at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but even Ducati are thinking it might be a struggle.

The 2025 MotoGP champion came away from the Thailand Grand Prix with no points. He had been battling for a podium when the rear rim of his GP26 exploded after hitting the kerb at turn four, forcing him to retire.

Ducati struggled to keep up with Aprilia in Buriram as Marco Bezzecchi dominated the race. Marquez will be looking to get back on top as MotoGP returns to the Brazilian Grand Prix, but another tough weekend could be in store.

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Marquez was still struggling with his physical condition in Thailand, having not fully recovered from his right shoulder injury in Mandalika last year.

The Spaniard has had three weeks to properly recover for the next round in Goiania. But even then, Ducati think Marquez might not be at his best in Brazil.

Ducati staff admit Marc Marquez might not be at his ‘very best’ with Goiania’s right-handers

Goiania exposes a weakness in Marquez with its nine right-hand turns. The Ant of Cervera has struggled more in those corners after breaking his arm at Jerez in 2020.

Despite this, Luca Cadalora backs Marquez as the favourite for the win in Brazil. However, Ducati may not be as confident about the 33-year-old’s chances.

Pit lane reporter Jack Appleyard spoke to a member of the Borgo Panigale outfit in Goiania, and they admitted that Marquez might struggle with the right-hand turns.

He said via MotoGP’s The Preview: “Of course, a lot of right-handers here as well, which, speaking to someone from Ducati, has said, maybe it’s not a circuit which Marc will seem at his very best.

“But then on the other side of the coin, despite those right-handers, when MotoGP riders come to new venues and they have to adapt quickest and learn conditions and learn new venues, the man that normally is able to exceed everyone else is Marc Marquez.

“So that’ll be interesting to see how he’s able to adapt.”

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

How far away is Marc Marquez from retirement?

Many people believe that the Ducati rider’s injury in 2025 was far worse than previously feared. Carlo Pernat can see Marquez’s ‘fear’ after the crash in Indonesia.

With his contract expiring in 2026, it has led to discussions around the Spaniard’s future. Marquez wants a one-year deal from Ducati, with his injuries being a reason as to why he is hesitant about committing to a two-year contract.

Marquez has admitted that he will not be in MotoGP by the age of 40, like his arch-rival Valentino Rossi. Now at 33, his time in the sport is certainly nearing its end.

Alex Barros tips Marquez to retire to avoid Pedro Acosta at Ducati, with the KTM rider set to join the Bologna Bullets in 2027. The 21-year-old could be the one to deliver the final blow for his career.