After enduring a string of crashes that resulted in multiple fractures, Honda factory rider Marc Marquez made his MotoGP comeback at Assen. However, his return was far from ideal. Marquez’s misfortunes continued as he collided with Enea Bastianini during Q1, a mistake he later apologized for. This incident, along with a crash in Friday’s FP2 session, led to Marquez starting the sprint race in a disappointing 17th position on the grid.
The outcome of the race was unprecedentedly poor for the eight-time world champion, as he finished with his lowest ever on-the-road position in MotoGP. Struggling behind Marco Bezzecchi’s VR46 Ducati, Marquez trailed nearly 20 seconds behind after completing just 13 laps. He had opted for a soft front tire to gather more feedback but later admitted that he had been too relaxed and failed to push himself.
In light of these challenges, Marquez revealed that only the extended hiatus he faced following his arm injury in Jerez in 2020 could compare to his current ordeal. “Aside from the injuries in 2020, this is the most difficult moment of my professional career,” he confessed. However, Marquez emphasized his commitment to never choose the easy way out, stating, “Defeat may seem tempting, but I will never succumb to it. Right now, I am riding for myself and my engineers. Even if I am half a second slower per lap, the problems remain the same.”
He further expressed, “Today, I realized that I am not in my usual form.”
During the Argentine GP round, Marquez faced additional setbacks. Classified 18th and trailing almost 44 seconds behind the winner, Cal Crutchlow, Marquez had to contend with wet conditions. Moreover, he received two ride-through penalties on that day—one served during the race and another imposed at the end, adding 30 seconds to his total time. Additionally, Marquez was required to relinquish a position during the race.
Marquez acknowledged on Friday that he still felt the effects of his challenging Sachsenring experience. However, he deemed it unhelpful to skip the upcoming round before MotoGP’s summer break. “I am competing because afterward, I have a month and a half off,” he explained. “Given the sensations from Sachsenring, being off the bike for two months would not be beneficial for a rider.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MotoGP career setbacks
What led to Marc Marquez’s lowest on-the-road finishing position in MotoGP?
Marc Marquez’s lowest on-the-road finishing position in MotoGP was a result of a series of crashes during the weekend, which left him with multiple fractures. He also collided with Enea Bastianini during Q1, and his starting position on the grid was 17th. Additionally, he struggled during the sprint race, being almost 20 seconds behind the race winner after just 13 laps.
How does Marc Marquez describe his current experience in MotoGP?
Marc Marquez describes his current experience in MotoGP as the toughest moment of his sporting career, aside from his injuries in 2020. He admits that it is a challenging time, but he is determined not to choose the easy way out and remains committed to riding for himself and his engineers.
What setbacks did Marc Marquez face during the Argentine GP round?
During the Argentine GP round, Marc Marquez faced various setbacks. He finished 18th, almost 44 seconds behind the race winner, Cal Crutchlow. The race took place in wet conditions, and Marquez received two ride-through penalties, one served during the race and another imposed at the end, resulting in an additional 30 seconds added to his time. He also had to give back a position during the race.
Why did Marc Marquez decide to compete despite still experiencing pain from his previous races?
Marc Marquez decided to compete despite still experiencing pain from his previous races because he believed that missing the last round before MotoGP’s summer break would not be helpful. He acknowledged that being off the bike for two months, given the sensations he had from the previous race, would not be beneficial for a rider. Therefore, he chose to continue competing and endure the pain.
More about MotoGP career setbacks
- Marc Marquez suffers multiple fractures
- Marc Marquez reflects on his MotoGP struggles
- Marc Marquez’s challenges in the Argentine GP
- Marc Marquez’s decision to continue competing
5 comments
omg marquez’s worst moment in motogp? that’s crazy! he’s such a talented rider, it’s sad to see him struggle like this. but i believe in him, he’ll bounce back!
marc marquez is a beast on the track, but even the best have their tough times. it takes a lot of guts to keep pushing through the pain and challenges. respect to him for not giving up!
marquez is really going thru a tough time. all those crashes and injuries are not good for him. hope he gets better soon!
crashes, penalties, injuries… poor marquez just can’t catch a break. but you know what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. i’m sure he’ll come back stronger than ever!
marquez is a true warrior, battling through the pain and setbacks. his determination is inspiring. sending positive vibes and wishing him a speedy recovery!