Marc Marquez’s mission for 2026 is to defend his title – but even if he fails, it won’t be a disaster for him, because he has already achieved his biggest goal.
After winning the title in 2025, Marc Marquez is one of the big favorites going into the 2026 MotoGP season. His move to the Ducati factory team a year ago has paid off, and now his eighth MotoGP title is within reach.
But one key question hangs over the start of the season: how far has the world champion recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in a crash in Indonesia in 2025? And what are Marquez’s own expectations as he sets out to defend his title?
The Spaniard makes no secret of the fact that the expectations within the factory team are clearly defined. “We have to fight for the title again,” Marquez says openly. The pressure is there and is part of the game. “When you’re in the Ducati team, you have to fight for the world championship, and that’s exactly what we’re going to try to do.” He has used the winter intensively to prepare himself physically and mentally.
MotoGP title is the goal, but not a must
With seven MotoGP titles to his name, Marquez is now close to equaling Giacomo Agostini. Is that extra motivation? For the 32-year-old, such statistics are rather incidental. He explains that he has already mastered the biggest challenge of his career: coming back “from a nightmare.”
He is, of course, referring to his upper arm injury in 2020, which required several operations and a long recovery period. With the 2025 title, the circle is now complete.
Now it’s about being competitive again and winning races. “If I’m in contention for the championship, that’s welcome,” he says. And he deliberately adds: “If not, it won’t be a disaster. But we’ll try.”
This hunger to attack again year after year, despite all the setbacks, comes from a deep source for Marquez. “Passion is the key,” he emphasizes. It’s not just motorcycling itself, but competition that is his greatest motivation.
Contrary to popular belief, winning the title in 2025 did not satisfy him, but rather had the opposite effect. The past season gave him “enough power” to get through another tough winter with long rehabilitation. His goal is clear: to experience the taste of victory again.
Marquez at 100 percent in Thailand?
However, the most critical issue ahead of the season opener remains his shoulder. The injury sustained in the sprint race in Indonesia set Marquez back in his preparations.
He admits that there have been ups and downs during his rehabilitation. When asked how he is doing now, the Spaniard admits: “Two weeks ago, I would have said: so-so.” But now things are noticeably looking up. He feels “better and better,” even if he cannot yet quantify his exact performance level in percentages.
The winter was long and mentally extremely demanding, with countless physiotherapy and strength training sessions, often with low weights. But Marquez is confident that he will be close to 100 percent fit for the Thai Grand Prix. “That was the goal, and I think we will achieve it.”
Ducati is counting on two title contenders
The expectations are also clearly defined within the team. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi confirms that with the reigning world champion, the focus is automatically on defending the title. At the same time, he emphasizes the strength of his driver lineup.
Francesco Bagnaia may have had a difficult season last year, but there is no doubt about his speed and talent. Ducati therefore expects that in the 2026 MotoGP season, “both riders will be fighting for victories and the title.”