Marc Marquez Asserts Shoulder Recovery, Not Valencia Test Absence, Will Dictate 2026 MotoGP Performance

Marc Marquez remains confident that his recovery from a shoulder injury, rather than his absence from the upcoming Valencia test, will be the critical factor in determining his performance in the 2026 MotoGP season. The eight-time World Champion, who will be joining the Ducati ranks, sustained the injury in a crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix, an incident that prematurely ended his 2025 campaign.

The crash, which occurred in September during the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix at the Mandalika International Street Circuit, involved Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi. Marquez was diagnosed with a coracoid fracture and ligament damage to his right shoulder following examinations in Madrid. The severity of the injury forced him to withdraw from the final four races of the 2025 season, impacting his preparation for the transition to Ducati.

The Valencia test, scheduled for the week following the final race of the season, is a crucial opportunity for riders to familiarize themselves with new machinery and for teams to gather data for the upcoming year. Marquez’s absence from this test means he will likely not ride the Ducati 2026 challenger until the pre-season tests in February. Despite this setback, Marquez maintains that his physical recovery is the paramount concern.

“From the moment I crashed, I knew I had something wrong with my shoulder. I know my body because I’ve crashed many times,” Marquez stated. “I was calm after Indonesia, but worried about the future. My doctors reassured me that if I stick to the recovery schedule, everything will be fine. Whether I’m competitive in 2026 will depend on my physical condition, not on whether I’ve missed one more race or not, or if I don’t participate in the Valencia test.”

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Marquez also addressed the possibility of participating in the Sepang test, which typically takes place in early February. “It can’t be confirmed yet that I’ll be at the Sepang test, but I hope to be back on a bike much sooner. I’m respecting the recovery schedule, but things are progressing well,” he added.

Initially, Marquez’s medical team had opted for a conservative treatment plan, aiming to allow the shoulder to heal without surgical intervention. However, after a week of immobilization, the injury did not show sufficient signs of stabilization, leading to a decision to proceed with surgery in October.

“When I arrived here in Madrid, they really saw the extent of the injury,” Marquez explained. “They warned me that it would take time because ligaments and bones were affected. We knew we could lose five days of recovery, but we opted against surgery. The swelling went down, and I woke up one Sunday with my collarbone out of place. They decided to operate, and now we have to respect the recovery time. There won’t be any lasting effects.”

Marquez’s injury history is well-documented. A previous crash at Jerez in 2020 led to a prolonged period of recovery and four surgeries on his right arm. As a result, Marquez still has a broken screw in his shoulder, a remnant from that ordeal. “It’s something I live with, from the past. Only my doctors and I know the condition of my arm internally,” he said.

Marquez’s move to Ducati marks a significant chapter in his career. After spending his entire MotoGP career with Honda, securing six premier class titles, the switch to the Italian manufacturer represents a fresh start. Ducati has been the dominant force in MotoGP in recent years, with Francesco Bagnaia winning the championship in 2022 and 2023. Marquez will be joining a highly competitive environment, with several other Ducati riders capable of challenging for race wins and championships.

The absence from the Valencia test is undoubtedly a setback, but Marquez’s focus on physical recovery aligns with a long-term strategy. The demands of MotoGP require riders to be in peak physical condition, and any compromise in this area can severely impact performance. The shoulder injury, in particular, affects a rider’s ability to control the motorcycle, especially during braking and cornering.

The 2026 season will also see the introduction of new technical regulations in MotoGP. These regulations are expected to bring significant changes to the motorcycles, including engine specifications, aerodynamics, and electronics. The Valencia test would have provided Marquez with an early opportunity to understand these changes and adapt his riding style accordingly. However, with the test now out of the picture, he will have to rely on the data and feedback from other Ducati riders and engineers.

The road to recovery is not always linear, and Marquez has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. His ability to overcome adversity and return to the top of the sport has been a hallmark of his success. The current injury is another hurdle, but Marquez’s determination and the support of his medical team give him confidence that he will be ready to compete at the highest level in 2026.

In the meantime, the Ducati team will continue to develop the 2026 machine, gathering data from other riders and refining the design based on their feedback. When Marquez eventually joins the testing program, he will have a solid foundation to build upon. His experience and talent will undoubtedly be valuable assets in the development process.

The MotoGP community will be closely monitoring Marquez’s progress in the coming months. His return to full fitness and his adaptation to the Ducati motorcycle will be key storylines leading up to the 2026 season. Whether he can challenge for another championship remains to be seen, but his determination and resilience suggest that he will be a force to be reckoned with.

The upcoming Valencia test will proceed without Marquez, but the other Ducati riders will be eager to put the 2026 machine through its paces. Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Jorge Martin, among others, will be looking to gain an early advantage and gather valuable data for the upcoming season. The test will provide a glimpse into the future of MotoGP and the direction that Ducati is taking with its motorcycle development.

The focus for Marquez remains on rehabilitation and recovery. He is working closely with his medical team to ensure that he is in the best possible condition when he eventually returns to the track. The Sepang test in February is a potential target, but his participation will depend on the progress of his recovery. In the meantime, he will be following the developments in MotoGP closely and preparing himself for the challenges that lie ahead.