Marc Marquez, the reigning MotoGP world champion, suffered a collarbone injury following a collision with Marco Bezzecchi during the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika. This incident cut short Marquez’s race, raising concerns about his recovery and future participation.
Details of the Crash and Initial Diagnosis
The Ducati factory rider was eager to rebound after a challenging weekend, feeling hopeful after improvements during the warm-up session. However, his race ended after just six corners when Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia attempted an aggressive move inside Turn 7, resulting in a high-speed crash that forced Marquez out of contention.
Marquez immediately showed signs of pain in his right shoulder and was later diagnosed with a fractured right collarbone; possible ligament damage is also being investigated. The rider is set to travel to Madrid for a thorough medical evaluation to determine the severity of his injuries and the best path forward for recovery.
Reactions from Marquez and Bezzecchi
Marquez expressed regret about the incident but acknowledged that crashes are a part of racing. He noted that Bezzecchi apologized and admitted fault for the collision. Reflecting on the weekend, Marquez said:
“So, not the best way to celebrate the championship,”
Marc Marquez said.
He added,
“Looks like this Mandalika GP has been a bit difficult, but today I started to feel better and better, especially in the warm-up. We did a big step and the race I cannot say [what was possible] because [I only did] five, six corners. It’s true that I’m sad because I have some injury in my right collarbone. But from a race incident. In the end, Marco Bezzecchi already came to me and said sorry. This happens. It’s something that sometimes I will do, sometimes somebody else will do, but it was not on purpose. So, Marco accepts it was his fault.”
Marc Marquez
Discussing next steps, he mentioned:
“Let’s see if we can fly as soon as possible to Madrid and try to understand with the doctors exactly what I have and try to come back as soon as possible, but inside the limits of the recovery.”
Marc Marquez
Bezzecchi is also undergoing evaluation for any injuries, while race officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
Impact on Ducati Team and Race Outcomes
This crash was particularly concerning given Marquez’s past difficulties with his right arm, dating back to 2020. The incident ended the race for both Ducati factory riders, as Marquez’s teammate Pecco Bagnaia also crashed out on lap eight after starting from the back of the grid.
The Indonesian Grand Prix was ultimately won by Gresini Ducati’s Fermin Aldeguer, who secured his first victory in his rookie season, highlighting a notable achievement amid the challenging conditions for the factory Ducati team.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Race Prospects
Marquez’s collarbone injury and the associated recovery process will be closely monitored by his team and medical staff in Madrid. The evaluation will determine how quickly he can return to competitive racing without risking further harm. The outcome of this assessment will influence Ducati’s strategy and Marquez’s participation in upcoming MotoGP events.
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation into the crash between Marquez and Bezzecchi may also impact future race conduct and stewardship decisions in the championship. Both riders’ health and race readiness remain a priority for the teams and officials moving forward.
