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Marc Marquez Opens Up About His Journey with Ducati
In an exclusive interview held amid the serene surroundings of one of Doha’s premier hotels, Marc Marquez shared his thoughts with Motorsport.com as he aims for his seventh MotoGP title. The seasoned rider spoke candidly about various subjects, spanning both his professional aspirations and personal reflections.
At the age of 32, Marquez arrived in Qatar well-prepared. With ample time to acclimatize to the region’s heat, he enjoyed leisurely strolls through the bustling souk alongside his partner, Gemma, all while gearing up for the fourth race on the MotoGP calendar.
Following a disappointing outcome in Austin, where he crashed after leading the race, Marquez is eager to reclaim his momentum at the upcoming event in Losail. His previous performances had placed him at the forefront of the championship, and the shift that occurred in Texas has made this weekend’s race particularly significant.
As he sat comfortably beneath a palm tree in the Ritz Carlton’s lush gardens, Marquez displayed a sense of calmness, indicative of his journey through some challenging years.
Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Photo by: F.A.R.O.
With a relaxed demeanor, Marquez addressed each question with a smile, whether discussing racing strategies or more personal topics. He reflected on his approach to handling frustration, particularly in light of his mistakes during races. “When I make an error like I did in Austin, I try to regain perspective. I think about individuals who face dire situations, such as losing a loved one in an accident. Sure, I made a mistake, but there’s always another race in two weeks,” he remarked.
The dialogue also touched upon the psychological challenges that Marquez has faced. He candidly acknowledged that his struggles off the track have been more profound than those encountered in competition. The significant injury to his right arm in 2020, which nearly led him to retire, has instilled in him a deeper appreciation for resilience over mere statistics. “My ability to confront challenges defines me more than my records. In a few years, what matters will be how I persevered through difficulties, not just the titles I’ve won. That injury was the most arduous challenge of my life,” he stated, pinpointing the moment he wishes he could change: “That Friday in Jerez [2020], when I attempted to return to racing too quickly.”
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Currently, Marquez finds himself in a unique position; he is trailing his younger brother, Alex, who leads the championship standings by just one point. The competitive dynamics of their relationship have, contrary to expectations, brought them closer together. “Our bond has strengthened because we are now speaking the same language,” he explained. “It can be challenging when one of us is significantly off pace, as that creates a gap in our experiences.”
Moreover, Marquez articulated his connection with his bike, which has been a source of both success and hardship throughout his career. “At times, riding my bike feels almost transcendent; everything just clicks. In those moments of high confidence, I’m oblivious to the risks, feeling as though nothing could go wrong,” he concluded.
Source
www.motorsport.com