Marc Marquez has expressed a preference to delay clinching the 2025 MotoGP title, which could mathematically happen at next weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix. The reason behind this unusual wish is his concern that winning the championship that early would mean his brother, Alex Marquez, had a difficult home race in Barcelona.
Marc’s comments come amid his dominant season in the premier class, where he currently leads the championship comfortably. The significance of the MotoGP title delay revolves around familial support, as Alex has recently faced challenges recovering from injury and competing at his best.
Championship Context and Points Gap
Heading into the Catalan Grand Prix, Marc Marquez holds a commanding 175-point lead in the championship, having remained unbeaten across the last seven race weekends. If he extends this advantage by another 47 points across the next two rounds in Barcelona and Misano, Marc could secure his seventh premier class title well before the season’s flyaway races begin.
While building such a cushion will be challenging, the opportunity is open as Alex Marquez, riding for Gresini, has struggled since sustaining an injury during the Dutch Grand Prix. His points tally in the last two races stands at just 17, highlighting the difficult path he faces to regain form.
Misano, which represents the home race for Marc’s longtime rival Valentino Rossi, could then become the stage where Marc seals the championship, assuming he can manage the necessary points margin.
Balancing Personal Ambitions and Family Support
Marc Marquez emphasized that although he is eager to clinch the championship as soon as possible to mark an impressive comeback from the injuries he suffered in 2020, he is willing to wait until later in the season if it means supporting his brother’s recovery and performance.
“I wish to have the ‘title ball’ as soon as possible, but I wish to have it in Japan or Indonesia because if I have it in Misano, it means my brother had a disaster weekend here in Catalunya,”
said the 32-year-old Marquez.
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team Rider
“If I keep focused, it’s a matter of time. But for this case, I prefer a good weekend for my brother than the ‘match ball’ in Misano.”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team Rider
Marc Marquez’s Reflection on the Catalan GP Challenge
Approaching the Catalan Grand Prix, Marc admitted that Barcelona has historically been a tough circuit for him, and he would dislike the event if it were not his home track. Despite this, his current dominant form places him among the favorites, though he acknowledges the need for extra effort to stay competitive at Montmelo.
“As every year, here in Montmelo, I know that I need to work a little bit more than on other circuits to try to reach the top level, that will be the target during the weekend,”
he stated.
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team Rider
“It’s true that it’s one of my worst circuits on the calendar, but the fact that it is the home GP gives me an extra motivation in the sprint race and main race. That is where we will try to score the maximum points.”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team Rider
Current Dominance and Potential Challenges
Marc Marquez’s performance this season ranks among the most dominant in MotoGP history. Since the British Grand Prix in May, he has consistently stood on the top step of the podium, winning 10 of the 14 grands prix so far and securing 13 additional victories in half-distance sprint races.
Nevertheless, Marc acknowledged that his winning streak might face its toughest test this weekend in Barcelona, where threats come not only from within the Ducati team but also from other contenders. He pointed out the strong challenge posed by Pecco Bagnaia, who won the Catalan GP as well as the recent Solidarity GP the previous year.
“He won on the last two Sundays here last year [Catalan GP and Solidarity GP], so let’s see what we can do.”
—Marc Marquez, Ducati Team Rider
Outlook: A Season Filled with Family Focus and Fierce Competition
Marc Marquez’s thoughtful approach to balancing his drive for a seventh MotoGP title with support for his brother Alex highlights the personal complexities behind high-level sport. His preference to secure the championship later, possibly in Japan or Indonesia, rather than celebrating early at Misano, reveals an athlete placing family solidarity alongside professional ambition.
As the 2025 season progresses toward its climax, fans can expect intense competition on the track as Marc continues his winning streak, while Alex strives to overcome injury setbacks. The unfolding races will not only test Marc’s dominance but also demonstrate how personal motivations shape career milestones in MotoGP.
