The MotoGP Champion's Struggle: Can Marquez Regain His Automatic Touch?
Marc Marquez, the reigning MotoGP world champion, has opened up about his current riding experience, admitting that he's not yet found his groove on the 2026 Ducati. Despite being the favorite to retain his title, Marquez finds himself playing catch-up at the Thai Grand Prix.
But here's where it gets controversial: Marquez, a seasoned 33-year-old, is struggling to adapt his riding style to the new bike. He ended the first day of practice over four tenths of a second behind Marco Bezzecchi, who topped the charts on his Aprilia.
Marquez explained that he's riding the 2024-spec Ducati aero to ease the physical demands on his injured right shoulder, sustained during last October's Indonesian Grand Prix. This decision, while strategic, has impacted his automatic riding style, which he's now working hard to regain.
"I need to improve and refine my riding technique," Marquez said. "I'm still not riding with the fluidity and ease I'm used to. So, I'm hoping to make some progress tomorrow. But right now, it seems Aprilia and Marco are setting the pace here. They've found a way to make our different tire casings work to their advantage."
Marquez's team faced a close call during the afternoon session. With rain spots threatening the circuit, he found himself outside the top 10, which would have meant a Q1 appearance. However, he managed to secure a spot in the top 10, avoiding the potential Q1 double for Ducati's factory team, as Pecco Bagnaia struggled to 15th.
"It was a tricky session, especially towards the end. I took a risk starting with the medium rear tire, which almost cost me a Q2 spot. But we managed to pull it together and make a strong final attack. We're still playing catch-up to Marco Bezzecchi, who's a step ahead of everyone. We were lucky with the weather; it only rained lightly, unlike the heavier downpour in Moto2."
And this is the part most people miss: Marquez's struggle to adapt his riding style to a new bike while managing an injury. It's a delicate balance, and one that could make or break his chances of retaining his championship title.
What do you think? Is Marquez's injury a significant factor in his current performance? Can he regain his automatic riding style and challenge for the championship? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
