Marc Márquez's Message to Jorge Martín: "Don't Make Any Rash Decisions"

It is a passionate week for Spanish motorcycling, as the Spanish Grand Prix takes place this weekend at the Jerez circuit. To kick things off, the current MotoGP leader, Marc Márquez, held a press conference in Madrid, organised by his personal sponsor, Estrella Galicia 0,0, which also sponsors the Ducati factory team and, for the second consecutive year, is the title sponsor of the Andalusian event.

Historically, the modern Cathedral of motorcycling has not been a fertile ground for Marc, who has 'only' won there three times, the last being in 2019. However, the Jerez event is etched in the eight-time world champion's memory because it was on this track in 2020 that he suffered a crash that led to a series of injuries and surgeries over four years. "For me, the circle is closed and tied with a bow," commented the rider from Lleida about whether a victory on Sunday would mark the end of an era.

He did recall the 2024 race, where he fought for victory against Pecco Bagnaia for the first time while riding the private Ducati for the Gresini team. "I celebrated that result more than ever because it was a turning point. It was my first podium in a Sunday race with Ducati, which I knew I had to seize. I hope to celebrate at least a podium this weekend." Márquez set his sights on repeating that 2024 podium at what is the grand celebration of Spanish motorcycling. He also warned about the distractions that could arise during the weekend. "In Jerez, one of the keys is to avoid the hype, but it's part of the job, the form we're in, and the fans who never stop cheering for the Spanish riders."

Marc Márquez's explosive start to 2025, with a full house of poles and sprint victories on Saturdays and three out of four wins in Sunday races, only brings back memories of the best years of the Cervera rider. "2019 was my best season. I'm not better than the Marc of that year, but I am calmer," explained the Spanish rider. "Now I have a different mindset, more experience, a different situation, and that makes me see things differently. In 2019, only winning mattered, and that's why there was the pressure there was. This year, I personally don't have that pressure, because of everything I've been through. The most important thing is that I don't feel indebted to myself."

The Spanish fans are in a state of euphoria, and rightly so. What has been seen in 2025 is a rider far superior to the rest, although that's precisely what the Cervera native wants to avoid. "Superiority? It's a word I try to avoid because it makes you lower your guard and perhaps not maintain the same intensity, which leads to mistakes that shouldn't be made, as happened in Austin." That crash at the Texas circuit while leading the race has been the only one the Spanish rider has made so far this season.

During the extensive press conference, the rider from Lleida also spoke about his brother Álex's form, for whom he has great admiration. "I love that you ask me about Álex. He's a great rider, and when everything is in place, he's shown he can win. For me, he's going to be one of the contenders for the title. Why can't he be champion?" He also talked about his teammate, Pecco Bagnaia, and the healthy rivalry within the team. "I don't approach rivalry with a teammate now the same way I did when I was 20. At 32, I've understood that there's rivalry on the track, but outside, there's no need to create a war."

Finally, he also wanted to offer words of support to Jorge Martín. The reigning MotoGP champion suffered a brutal accident at the Qatar Grand Prix, resulting in eleven rib fractures and a pneumothorax. Although the Madrid native was discharged from the hospital last Sunday, he will have to remain in Doha until his medical condition stabilises, and then a long recovery awaits him: "Just to give him encouragement. When I had my injury, I always said I wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially not the world champion. That's why I encourage him. I can guess what's going through his mind, but my advice is not to make any decisions while injured or in the heat of the moment."