Marc Marquez endured a challenging day at the Dutch MotoGP on Friday, suffering two high-speed crashes that caused significant physical discomfort. Despite the incidents at the Assen circuit, Marquez, riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team, remained in good spirits as he prepared for the next stages of the weekend.
Details of Marquez’s Crashes and Immediate Effects
Marquez’s difficulties began early in Free Practice 1 (FP1) when he high-sided at turn 15, losing control as he slowed for the fast left-hander before the final chicane. The crash resulted in pain to his left hand and elbow. Nevertheless, Marquez returned to the track and managed to top the session, finishing ahead of Maverick Vinales by 0.313 seconds.
During the final time attack of Practice, Marquez crashed again, this time low-siding at turn seven. He slid extensively through the gravel trap, which caused further aches. He was subsequently examined at the medical center and cleared to continue racing on Saturday without any serious injuries.
Reflecting on his physical condition following the crashes, Marquez said,
“Of course, physically, about the two big crashes, it’s not an easy day for my body,”
—Marc Marquez, MotoGP rider,
“But, apart from that, I’m lucky because it’s nothing important.”
He also provided an update on his physical state, adding,
“Of course, some things yes, but it’s not something that will be a problem for the next days – I believe. Tomorrow I will check when I get up.”
Impact of Gravel Stones at Assen Contributing to Pain
Marquez highlighted that the large size of the gravel stones at the Assen circuit aggravated the pain he experienced after sliding through them. The rough surface caused multiple impacts to his body during both crashes.
He explained,
“The crash was okay, but both times when I arrived in the gravel it hits a lot – one time the elbow, especially here in the face, plus the finger,”
—Marc Marquez, MotoGP rider,
“The rocks are super-big and when you arrive there with that high speed it hits your body; with the second one I had some problem on the parts and then I was breathing there in the gravel, because at the same time I was sliding on the gravel face down and that creates all these parts, the stomach plus other things, a bit damage.”
Marquez Analyzes Causes Behind the Friday Collisions
On the cause of the crashes, Marquez shared that from the moment he left the pits in FP1, he sensed instability. His second crash was partly due to using a compromised front tire during a time attack to manage his tire allocation for the weekend.
He acknowledged,
“The first [crash] was a bit strange because I wasn’t really pushing; since I go out from the box I felt super-slippery and in fact I crashed there,”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Lenovo Team rider.
He added context on the second incident: using the same front tire meant to conserve tire allocation for the next day contributed to instability during his final flying lap.
Marquez emphasized the role of the track’s gravel, stating,
“So, it was a mix of things, plus, especially in this race track, the gravel– the rocks are too big, for me, in my opinion, and this [means] that when you arrive in the gravel it’s quite painful.”
Marquez’s Performance and Outlook Despite Setbacks
Despite the setbacks, Marquez qualified directly for Q2 ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session and posted competitive lap times throughout Friday. His attitude towards the day’s events remained cautiously optimistic.
He summed up his condition, saying,
“Apart from those two crashes, that I know the reason about both of them, I feel okay,”
—Marc Marquez, MotoGP rider,
“I’m happy because the fact that we are here in Assen, fast, is a very good sign for us.”
