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Marc Marquez remains confident that his rehabilitation from a recent shoulder injury, rather than his absence from the upcoming Valencia test, will be the determining factor in his performance during the 2026 MotoGP season. The eight-time world champion is currently recovering from an injury sustained at the Indonesian Grand Prix, which has sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 season and the post-season test.
Marquez’s injury occurred during the Indonesian Grand Prix in September, following a collision with Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi on the opening lap. Upon returning to Madrid, medical examinations revealed a coracoid fracture and ligament damage to his right shoulder, necessitating his withdrawal from the final four races of the 2025 season. The injury also prevents him from participating in the Valencia test, a crucial opportunity for riders to evaluate new machinery and components for the upcoming season.
The Valencia test, scheduled for next week, will be the first chance for many riders to experience the initial iterations of their respective manufacturers’ 2026 prototypes. Marquez’s absence means he will likely have to wait until the Sepang test in February 2026 for his first experience with Ducati’s 2026 bike. Despite the setback, Marquez maintains that his physical recovery is paramount.
"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’s comments underscore his belief that a full recovery is more critical than track time in determining his competitiveness. The physical demands of MotoGP racing require riders to be in peak condition, and any lingering injury can significantly impact performance.
"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, indicating a cautious but optimistic outlook on his rehabilitation.
The injury and subsequent recovery period mark another challenging chapter in Marquez’s career, which has been punctuated by both significant successes and physical setbacks. After dominating the MotoGP landscape for several years, a severe crash at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez in 2020 initiated a prolonged period of recovery and rehabilitation.
That incident resulted in a fractured humerus, requiring multiple surgeries and a lengthy absence from racing. Marquez’s return to form has been gradual, and while he has demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance, he has yet to consistently challenge for race wins and championships.
Before the Jerez crash, Marquez had secured six MotoGP World Championships in seven years (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019), establishing himself as one of the sport’s most dominant figures. His aggressive riding style and ability to push the limits of his machine have earned him both admiration and criticism.
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Marquez, who made a high-profile move from the Repsol Honda team to Gresini Racing, a satellite Ducati team. The switch marked the end of an 11-year partnership with Honda, during which he achieved all of his MotoGP titles. His decision to join Gresini Racing was motivated by a desire to ride a more competitive machine and revitalize his career.
The move to Ducati has shown promise, with Marquez securing several podium finishes and consistently demonstrating strong pace. However, the injury at the Indonesian Grand Prix has curtailed his momentum and raised questions about his ability to maintain a consistent challenge for victories.
The upcoming Valencia test is crucial for Ducati and its rivals as they prepare for the 2026 season. The test provides teams with an opportunity to evaluate new engine configurations, chassis designs, and aerodynamic packages. The data collected during the test will inform the development direction for the following year, making it a vital event on the MotoGP calendar.
For Ducati, the Valencia test is particularly important as they seek to refine their machine and maintain their competitive edge. The Italian manufacturer has emerged as the dominant force in MotoGP in recent years, with Francesco Bagnaia securing the World Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Other Ducati riders, including Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, have also consistently challenged for race wins, demonstrating the strength and depth of the Ducati rider lineup.
Marquez’s absence from the Valencia test means that he will miss out on valuable track time and the opportunity to provide feedback on the early stages of Ducati’s 2026 development program. However, his focus on physical recovery suggests that he believes a fully fit Marquez will be more valuable to the team in the long run.
Marquez’s recovery is being overseen by a team of medical professionals in Madrid, who are closely monitoring his progress and adjusting his rehabilitation program as needed. The initial decision was to avoid surgery and opt for a conservative treatment plan. However, due to a lack of stabilization, Marquez underwent surgery in October.
"When I arrived here in Madrid, they really saw the extent of the injury," he said. "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."
Further complicating Marquez’s physical condition is the presence of a broken screw in his shoulder, a remnant of the 2020 Jerez crash. The screw, which has been a source of discomfort and concern, serves as a reminder of the long road he has traveled to return to competitive form.
"It’s something I live with, from the past. Only my doctors and I know the condition of my arm internally," Marquez said, indicating a pragmatic acceptance of the situation.
As Marquez focuses on his recovery, the MotoGP community will be closely watching his progress and assessing his prospects for the 2026 season. His move to Ducati has generated considerable excitement, and many observers believe that he has the potential to once again challenge for race wins and championships.
The 2026 MotoGP season will also see significant changes to the technical regulations, including a reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and the introduction of sustainable fuels. These changes are intended to make the sport more environmentally friendly and to promote greater competition among manufacturers.
The new regulations will require teams to develop new engine designs and chassis configurations, potentially leveling the playing field and creating opportunities for manufacturers to close the gap on Ducati. The Valencia test will be a crucial opportunity for teams to evaluate these new technologies and begin the process of adapting to the changing landscape.
The absence of Marquez from the Valencia test is undoubtedly a setback, but his focus on physical recovery underscores his determination to return to full fitness and compete at the highest level. As one of the most talented and accomplished riders in MotoGP history, Marquez has the potential to make a significant impact in the coming years.
The MotoGP community eagerly awaits his return to the track and the opportunity to witness the next chapter in his illustrious career. His ability to overcome adversity and consistently push the limits of performance has made him a fan favorite and a formidable competitor. Whether he can regain his former dominance remains to be seen, but his commitment to physical recovery and his determination to succeed suggest that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 MotoGP season and beyond.
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