In a shocking twist on the Chang circuit, Marc Márquez is stealing the spotlight from MotoGP’s top title contenders, finishing first in practice ahead of favorites Martín and Bagnaia. Though his odds of clinching the championship remain slim, the Gresini rider is pushing his limits and sending an undeniable message to rivals: Marquez is back, and he’s gunning for the glory.
After the explosive session, Márquez offered a candid look at his mindset: “Martín and Pecco are definitely raising the bar, but that’s not stopping me from risking it all to keep up with them,” he said. “Today’s lap was a strong start, but we’ll be realistic going forward and aim for the second row.” With only a few races left, every move counts, and Marc’s Friday performance is stirring up anticipation for a thrilling title showdown.
Márquez brushes off comparisons to Enea Bastianini, who had a record four wins with Gresini, insisting it’s all about staying consistent. Since his breakthrough in Austria, he’s shown a remarkable surge in form, a transformation he attributes to a more refined, stable bike setup. “Every track since Austria has confirmed the step forward we’ve taken,” he revealed, adding that his focus on consistency is paying dividends.
It’s not just about speed, either. Physical endurance is proving critical as the season’s relentless schedule pushes riders to their limits. Today, Márquez kept his laps limited, conserving energy for the intense weekend heat and a demanding circuit. Yet he’s not without caution: “I’m still searching for that last edge, the final refinement that will push me to the next level,” he admitted, hinting that he’s not quite satisfied despite his impressive form.
With three races and a total of 111 points still in play, Márquez was quick to temper expectations. “Forcing mistakes? With two drivers in the race, it’s near impossible,” he laughed. “Today, I was the one taking more risks. Especially in T1 and T2, I’m pushing to the max, and it’s costing me. The bike’s performance on the straights is a challenge, but I make up for it in the turns. It’s a delicate balance of speed and caution.”
Marc Márquez may be the underdog, but he’s playing his cards with fearless precision. As the season races to its electrifying conclusion, this veteran is proving he’s anything but out of the game.