At the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, Marc Márquez achieved an extraordinary feat, reclaiming the MotoGP world championship after a six-year gap. This Marc Marquez comeback victory ended a lengthy and arduous period marked by injury, surgeries, and intense competition, highlighting his resilience and determination to return to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
The Beginning of a Challenging Recovery
At the start of 2020, Marc Márquez was coming off his fourth consecutive MotoGP world title and eighth overall, entering the season as the favorite to win again. However, disaster struck in the opening round at Jerez when he suffered a severe crash that broke his right arm’s humerus. This injury sidelined him for the entire season and initiated a grueling recovery journey. Throughout 2021, Márquez underwent three surgeries as he struggled to restore functionality in his arm, initially attempting a comeback too soon—a decision he later identified as a key mistake that prolonged his recovery.
Struggles to Regain Form Amid Bike Challenges
Márquez made a proper return to MotoGP competition midway through 2021, securing three wins despite a Honda bike that was falling behind competitors in development. Known for maximizing difficult machinery, his inconsistent performances raised concerns about the lasting impact of his injury. At times, he questioned whether it was time to retire, especially after a vision problem late in the 2021 season forced him out of the final races. Yet, he continued to push forward.
The 2022 season mirrored the previous year’s difficulties. Persistent pain and an underperforming bike hindered his results, and in mid-2022 he underwent a fourth operation to correct a poorly healed rotation of his humerus. This surgery caused him to miss a significant portion of the season, adding to the physical and mental toll he faced.
Breaking Point and Departure From Honda
During 2023, maintaining pace became increasingly challenging as Márquez fought to simply finish races. The Sachsenring Grand Prix in Germany, a venue where he once held a perfect winning record, turned sour when he crashed five times throughout the race weekend without even starting the event. The Honda bike had become difficult to control, even for the six-time world champion. This race and a disappointing season led Márquez to part ways with Honda, his long-time team since his MotoGP debut in 2013. Although Honda had been instrumental in his six championship victories, his desire to continue winning required a change.
New Chapter Riding Ducati with Gresini Racing
In 2024, Márquez joined Gresini Racing alongside his brother Álex, riding a Ducati for the first time in his MotoGP career. Despite competing on an older-spec Ducati bike, the move provided him with a renewed chance at competitiveness. His season concluded with an impressive tally of three wins, ten podiums, and a third-place finish in the riders’ championship—his strongest showing since 2019. Notably, he accepted a 100 percent pay cut to prove his capability rather than for financial gain. He acknowledged that retirement would have been likely had this transition not worked out.
Securing the Factory Ducati Ride and a Dominant 2025 Season
The 2024 season’s success earned Márquez a coveted factory Ducati seat for 2025, chosen over rival Jorge Martín, the reigning 2024 world champion, by virtue of his experience and performance on the older bike. Starting the 2025 season with a win in the opening race, Márquez quickly dispelled doubts about whether he could return to his peak form. He dominated throughout the year, achieving eleven wins and fifteen podiums so far in races excluding sprints. He commands a substantial 201-point lead over his brother Álex, who is also enjoying his best season.
By claiming his ninth world championship, Márquez equals the legendary Valentino Rossi’s record and sets a historic milestone by becoming the oldest MotoGP champion ever while still holding the record for the youngest champion. He is also the first rider to reclaim the world title after a gap of more than five years, solidifying his status among MotoGP’s all-time greats.
The Significance of Márquez’s Comeback in MotoGP History
Marc Márquez’s triumphant return serves as one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern sports, demonstrating remarkable perseverance despite enduring serious injury, setbacks, and team changes. His ability to overcome physical and technical challenges, adapt to a new team and bike, and return to championship-winning form highlights his exceptional talent and determination.
This comeback reshapes the competitive landscape of MotoGP and sets a new standard for resilience in racing. With ongoing momentum in the 2025 season, Márquez’s legacy is once again being etched into the record books, inspiring both fans and fellow riders alike with a story of relentless pursuit of victory.
https://twitter.com/marcmarquez93/status/1972223689979736207
