Marc Marquez faces a critical moment this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he has the opportunity to secure the 2025 MotoGP title. The factory Ducati rider needs to outscore his brother, Alex Marquez, by at least three points by the end of Sunday’s race to clinch the championship, moving one step closer to becoming a seven-time MotoGP world champion.
Despite the significance of this achievement, Marquez has expressed frustration over recent reports suggesting that his total grand prix championship victories might be segmented, separating premier class wins from lower class titles. This reported shift in how the sport values career accomplishments is something “not in my hands,” the rider insisted, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on increasing his championship tally whatever the circumstances.
Clarifying the Status of Titles in MotoGP History
The discussion around Marquez’s titles stems from MotoGP’s long-standing tradition of honoring both premier class and lower class championships as part of a rider’s overall record. Legends such as Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini are often celebrated with reference to their total number of world championships, including titles from 125cc and Moto2 classes. Marquez himself holds nine grand prix crowns, adding his 2010 125cc and 2012 Moto2 wins to his seven premier class titles.
However, after the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, reports emerged that Dorna Sports, now overseen by Liberty Media representatives, instructed broadcasters in Japan to acknowledge Marquez solely as a seven-time premier class champion if he secures the title this weekend. This guidance marks a significant change in how MotoGP history is presented, prompting reactions from both fans and within the paddock.
Marquez’s comments on Thursday in Japan reflected his acceptance of this evolving narrative, stating,
“It’s not in my hands. I mean, of course, for me the most important thing… I always say, when I will retire one day, it doesn’t matter – of course, the numbers matter a lot.”
He also emphasized the importance of how he will be remembered beyond just statistics:
“But the most important thing is that the people remember me for giving everything on track.”
Marquez explained that while all championships count equally in his record books, the personal meaning and experiences behind each title are unique.
“The value of this championship inside of me is more than other ones,”
he said, recognizing the distinct atmosphere and challenges that define a rider’s career.
So, in the end, numbers are numbers. It’s not in my hands. But the most important thing is to increase those numbers – it doesn’t matter how.
– Marc Marquez, Rider
Approach to Potential Delay in Securing the Title
With 11 grand prix victories and 14 sprint wins this season, Marquez remains the clear favorite to take the championship. Still, he conveyed a sense of calm about the possibility that the title battle might extend beyond the Motegi round.
He acknowledged the pressure and constant questioning around his progress:
“It’s impossible to not think about it, especially when you are in interviews or in the paddock,”
Marquez said, describing how the repeated inquiries affect a rider’s mindset.
Despite the tension, he stressed that maintaining steady emotions throughout this period is crucial:
“You feel it, but in the end the emotions are quite constant, which is the most important thing.”
Marquez also reflected on the personal journey this season marks, especially considering the setbacks from a major injury five years ago.
On the possibility of not clinching the championship this weekend, he was clear:
“So, let’s see if we can finish in the best way possible. And I repeat: if it’s not this weekend, it will not be a disaster. We have another five chances in front.”
Implications for Marc Marquez and MotoGP
Should Marquez secure the title this weekend, it would elevate his status to a seven-time MotoGP world champion and a nine-time grand prix champ overall, reinforcing his legacy among the sport’s elite figures including Rossi and Agostini. However, the reported change in how title counts are being framed by Liberty Media and Dorna Sports could influence the narrative surrounding his career achievements and how future champions are recognized.
Marquez’s measured reaction and focus on his performance rather than external definitions of success underscore the mental resilience required at this level of competition. As the Motegi race approaches, all eyes remain on the Spanish rider as he attempts to close a five-year chapter marked by recovery and relentless pursuit of excellence.
