Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is becoming more aware of his title chances in MotoGP in 2026; hence, he is taking a more conservative approach during Ducati’s centenary event.
Due to complications with his right shoulder after his crash at the end of 2025 and further injury setbacks in 2026, the Ant of Cervera was playing down his chances of defending his title.
But after undergoing surgery for his shoulder and foot, the tide has changed, with two victories in Hungary and Czechia putting him right back in contention. Marquez knows he is in the title fight, and he is looking to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Prove us wrong, Ducati should impose team orders to ensure Marc Marquez wins the 2026 MotoGP title
Marc Marquez has a conservative approach ‘never seen before’ at Ducati’s Race of Champions
The Spaniard knows that his injuries have taken their toll on him. In fact, Marquez admits he did not want to step into the paddock on occasion due to the sheer number of setbacks he has suffered.
It explained why he is being more careful on track, and that goes especially at Ducati’s Race of Champions. The Borgo Panigale outfit are celebrating their 100-year anniversary with a race weekend at Misano with their MotoGP and World Superbike riders.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Riding a Panigale V4 R production bike, WSBK championship leader Nicolo Bulega took pole position ahead of Lorenzo Baldassarri and Marquez’s Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Meanwhile, the Spaniard was two seconds off the pace in 12th.
This was not a reflection of his true pace, as according to MOW, he was ‘even faster than the others’. However, he was doing something ‘we’ve never seen from him before’, as he rode with a ‘wide margin’ on the track.
It was a clear sign that he was trying to conserve and protect himself from any potential injury, as he knows another knock could be the final straw for his career.
How would you handle being Marc Marquez’s teammate?
Sitting 40 points behind Marco Bezzecchi in P5, Marquez still poses a serious threat to the championship leaders, and he will want to be in the best possible position to clinch his 10th career title.
Marquez is working on changing his riding style to help him control his instinct. He admits he has often raced without seeing the risks, but now that he has to watch his physical condition, he will be more careful than ever before.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
