Marquez adapts riding style due to persistent shoulder injury

MotoGP defending champion Marc Marquez is making significant adjustments to his riding style for the remainder of the 2026 season as he continues to manage a persistent right shoulder injury. The nerve damage, initially experienced after the Indonesian Grand Prix in October and worsened by subsequent surgery following an incident at the French Grand Prix, has permanently impacted his physical abilities.

Marquez acknowledged that his right arm now functions differently. "It is what it is. I mean, it functions in a different way, talking about this right arm. It's not the right arm of last year, it's not like at the beginning of the season, it's a different right arm," he stated. He is committed to adapting to this new reality and striving to achieve peak performance each weekend.

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It is what it is. I mean, it functions in a different way, talking about this right arm. It's not the right arm of last year, it's not like at the beginning of the season, it's a different right arm.

Despite these physical limitations, Marquez has shown remarkable resilience, winning three recent races and narrowing an 102-point deficit to just 18 points behind the current leader. He is currently considered a favorite for his eighth world title, a status he carries with a sense of calm.

"Five riders are now within 25 points, so the competition is starting again from zero. However, I don't feel pressured because another world title will not change my life," Marquez explained. He contrasted his situation with that of younger riders like Marco Bezzecchi, Ai Ogura, and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who are still pursuing their first world championship. Marquez believes their hunger for a maiden title will make them more aggressive competitors.

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Five riders are now within 25 points, so the competition is starting again from zero. However, I don't feel pressured because another world title will not change my life.