Time for a reality check for MM93
By Motopinion
At the French round of MotoGP in Le Mans, Marc Marquez was forced to sit out the main race following a huge high-side in the Saturday Sprint which further damaged a screw in his shoulder which was pressing against his radial nerve.
The World Champion had admitted that this operation will keep him out for possibly two GP’s and is the end of his championship challenge for 2026.
This would only leave the potential rewards of competing in the remaining 2026 races simply as the possibility of adding to his win tally, which currently stands at 73. 16 behind his great rival, Valentino Rossi and this is possibly his greatest motivation.
But surely this has to be weighed against the huge potential risks of chasing this goal. Against the current competition, Marc would have to push hard to achieve a victory. Of course he is still capable of doing this, as he has proved this season, but, as he also regularly proved this season, there will be inevitable crashes along the way. He has visited the gravel more than the podium, and for Marc’s already fragile body, just one of these could easily prove career ending.
Forgetting the futility of the risk v reward situation that will exist in 2026, this will also still exist in 2027 where he has already signed to compete on his factory Ducati. He will be 34 then and naturally not as fit and competitive as he was in his twenties. Does, even a potential 8th championship and beating Rossi’s record, really warrant the possible risks of irreparable permanent damage to his body? A radial nerve cannot be rebuilt, like his shoulder.
Marc has proved, particularly over the last few years, that even if he is not fit, or his bike is not as competitive as he wants it to be, he has not demonstrated the capacity to accept this situation. He has still attempted unnecessary passing manoeuvres, such as in Austin, and crashing. Almost unable to accept any limitations when he smells a victory. Possibly, for me, the only weakness in this great champion. Not to mention the proven possibility of spoiling other riders’ races in the process, like he did with Diggia in Austin.
It would obviously be sad for all if he announced his retirement. But possibly not as sad as if another serious injury forced this to happen. His legacy is secure as one of the greatest of all time. Would a few more wins and another title add to that legacy? I don’t think so.
Of course, if he were to retire, it would have enormous implications with next year’s contracts. Who would Ducati want to partner Acosta next year, and more importantly, would any of their primary targets still be available? Perhaps if Marc announced his retirement later in the year, Jack Miller might squeeze another year in the paddock. I hope not.
