MotoGP icon Marc Márquez has candidly admitted that his hopes of fighting for the 2023 championship have all but vanished following a costly mistake at the Indonesian Grand Prix. The Spanish rider opened up about the immense pressure he and fellow rider Enea Bastianini faced in Indonesia, acknowledging that the critical errors they both made essentially ended their title campaigns.
“Indonesia: The Championship Decider”
Márquez described the pressure cooker scenario he faced in Indonesia, where both he and Bastianini knew they couldn’t afford a misstep. “In Indonesia, both me and Bastianini were the two who couldn’t make a mistake because if we did, we were already completely out of the fight for the championship, and that’s what happened,” Márquez admitted. With the points gap now too large, he conceded that while there’s always a sliver of hope, realistically, his title chances have faded.
“Mechanical Struggles: Ducati’s Engine Woes”
Beyond rider mistakes, mechanical reliability has played a role in the season’s developments. Márquez commented on the Ducati engine failure he experienced in Indonesia, pointing out how such failures trigger alarms at every factory. “When an engine breaks, alarms go off in all factories,” Márquez explained. He noted that while Ducati is analyzing the failure, it remains unclear what measures will be taken to prevent future issues. “They are trying to understand why and it is more a question of whether they are going to take measures or not, but in the end, we are going to continue the same.”
“The Ducati and KTM Threat at Upcoming GP”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Grand Prix, Márquez highlighted the strengths of both Ducati and KTM, expecting them to be formidable competitors. “Ducati brakes well here. Stop and go is one of their strong points, but I also think KTM is right behind them,” he said, predicting a strong showing from KTM riders Brad Binder and Jack Miller, who both performed well at the circuit last year.
“Circuit Challenges and Fuel Management”
Márquez also discussed the technical challenges of the upcoming track, particularly fuel consumption. “This is a circuit that is quite active on the first, second, and third straights… so much acceleration and deceleration, it is there where fuel consumption suffers the most,” he explained, adding that fuel efficiency will be a key focus for the race.
“A Special Connection to the GP”
Emotionally, this Grand Prix holds a special place for Márquez, particularly due to his long history with Honda at the venue. He revealed that he will wear a special helmet for the event, paying tribute to the many milestones he has achieved there. However, he noted the strangeness of returning without the usual pre-race fanfare, factory visits, or events, making the experience feel somewhat different this year.
For Márquez, this season has been one of challenges both on and off the track. From mistakes under pressure to mechanical setbacks, the Catalan rider has faced significant hurdles in his quest for another MotoGP title. Despite the difficulties, his connection to the sport and determination remain strong as he looks to finish the season on a high note.
