Ducati Lenovo Crew’s Marc Marquez in motion on the Chang Worldwide Circuit throughout dash. Photograph: REUTERS
BANGKOK:
Defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez mentioned Thursday {that a} lingering shoulder harm has compelled him to alter his using model as he prepares to open the brand new season in Thailand.
The Spanish Ducati rider launches his bid for a record-equalling eighth world title this weekend in Buriram after dominating the competitors final season.
He clinched the title with 5 occasions to spare, however his marketing campaign was reduce brief when a shoulder harm compelled him to overlook the final 4 races of the season.
The 33-year-old mentioned the harm was “not a straightforward one”, and he’s nonetheless feeling its results, forcing him to alter the setup of his bike till he returns to full health.
“I stepped again within the aerodynamics; one of many causes is that I can’t experience the bike in the identical method as final yr in the mean time,” mentioned Marquez.
“The 2025 aerodynamic was a little bit bit extra heavy, extra demanding for the bodily situation
“I am attempting to adapt my using model to what I’ve now in my bodily situation,” he added.
Marquez mentioned his new setup was “working properly however otherwise”.
“One in every of my talents is to adapt to what I’ve and what I want,” he mentioned.
“I’ll strive yet another time in my using profession to adapt my using model to this new scenario till I really feel extra prepared.”
Marquez capped a outstanding comeback from harm final yr, successful his first championship since 2019 after a gruelling battle that nearly compelled him to hold up his helmet.
He was in imperious type all season, successful 25 races, together with sprints.
He mentioned his newest harm wouldn’t change his goal for the brand new season.
“Let’s examine how we are able to handle the scenario,” he mentioned.
“However the goal, if you’re carrying a purple Ducati T-shirt, is to struggle for the championship.”
Marquez’s nearest championship rival final season was his brother Alex Marquez.
The Gresini rider has made a robust begin to the yr, clocking the quickest instances on the first pre-season take a look at in Malaysia.
Alex Marquez mentioned he was not studying an excessive amount of into pre-season type.
“Not simply after this race weekend however after three or 4 races we’ll see the place we’re and for what we are able to struggle this yr,” he mentioned.
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi was quickest within the second pre-season take a look at, setting a brand new observe report in Buriram.
