Marc Marquez has given his verdict on his chances of defending his MotoGP title this year as he prepares to return from injury at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
The world champion received permission to compete in Mugello on Thursday morning Ducati has confirmed that Marquez will travel Hoping for a return to action in the Tuscany-based circuit.
His appearance in Italian Grand Prix Paddock arrives in less than three weeks Marquez’s brutal height in the Le Mans Sprint raceHe saw him supporting his broken leg.
How many titles would Marc Marquez have won if he had taken away his injuries? 🏆
The Spaniard subsequently underwent two separate operations, one on his troubled right hand.
In Marquez’s absence, championship leader Marco Bezecchi extended his advantage over the grid at the top of the standings. The factory Ducati Star is currently looking at an 85-point deficit to the Italian rider.
Marc Marquez admits ‘in no condition’ to defend MotoGP title after injury layoff
Although Marquez’s injury ruled him out of last season in Barcelona, many in the MotoGP paddock still believe he could challenge for the 2026 title when he returns to the bike.
The second person, Jorge Martin has identified Marquez as his main rival in the title race. Following his confirmed injury lay-off, it appears to have hampered current championship leader and Aprilia team-mate Bezeci.
Will Marc Marquez win over the Italian MotoGP fans?
However, in the eyes of Marquez himself, he does not believe that it is possible anymore. He spoke to journalists via video during his media activities in Jerez on Thursday afternoon. Motosan“I am not in a position to return yet.
“I mean, I have to go back and build my future. To feel good again, I feel like I can ride a MotoGP bike at a high level. Because the way I was riding in those first few races, it wasn’t possible.
“It’s because I’ve been managing it, I don’t know how, but that’s why I haven’t been consistent. But now I’m in the process of getting my fitness back.”
He further explained why a title race was not on his mind. Of course, chasing an eighth world championship in the premier class will force Ducati to push its prototype to the limit, and that won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
He added: “I know that if I can get back into good shape, especially this right arm, and if I can get it more or less working properly, the momentum will come.
“But now if I start thinking about the championship, all I can do is put my body at risk of more damage.
“It can always happen; that track will come, and there’s always danger, and you’ll always push yourself to the limit. But I have to know exactly where I am and where I want to go.”
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