Ducati Lenovo Staff’s Marc Marquez in motion on the Chang Worldwide Circuit throughout dash. Photograph: REUTERS
BANGKOK:
Defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez stated Thursday {that a} lingering shoulder damage has pressured 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 lower brief when a shoulder damage pressured him to overlook the final 4 races of the season.
The 33-year-old stated the damage was “not a simple 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 not journey the bike in the identical approach as final 12 months for the time being,” stated Marquez.
“The 2025 aerodynamic was just a little bit extra heavy, extra demanding for the bodily situation
“I am making an attempt to adapt my using model to what I’ve now in my bodily situation,” he added.
Marquez stated his new setup was “working effectively however another way”.
“One in every of my skills is to adapt to what I’ve and what I would like,” he stated.
“I’ll strive yet one more time in my using profession to adapt my using model to this new state of affairs till I really feel extra prepared.”
Marquez capped a outstanding comeback from damage final 12 months, successful his first championship since 2019 after a gruelling battle that just about pressured him to hold up his helmet.
He was in imperious type all season, successful 25 races, together with sprints.
He stated his newest damage wouldn’t change his goal for the brand new season.
“Let’s have a look at how we will handle the state of affairs,” he stated.
“However the goal, if you’re sporting a pink 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 powerful begin to the 12 months, clocking the quickest instances on the first pre-season take a look at in Malaysia.
Alex Marquez stated 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 will struggle this 12 months,” he stated.
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi was quickest within the second pre-season take a look at, setting a brand new observe document in Buriram.
