Marc Márquez approached the decisive MotoGP season weekend with an unusual restraint for himself. In both races in Japan, he finished second, trailing only his teammate Pecco Bagnaia, who unexpectedly delivered a perfect weekend. However, that was not the main thing for Márquez — after nearly six years without titles, he once again became world champion, ending a long streak of setbacks.
Since 2020, when that terrible crash happened in Jerez, the rider from Cervera’s life turned into a series of surgeries and rehabilitation. Surgeons operated on his right arm four times, he had shoulder issues, two eye surgeries, and an intervention for compartment syndrome. Over three years, he missed thirty races, and his career teetered on the brink of ending.
At one point, Márquez seriously considered retiring, but he took a risk and signed with Gresini. That changed everything: he rediscovered the joy of riding, and with it, the victories returned. Moving to the factory Ducati team became a turning point — this season Márquez won eleven Sunday races and fourteen sprints, collecting twenty-five victories out of thirty-four possible starts.
The round in Motegi was especially emotional for Márquez. Remembering his grandfather Ramón, who passed away last year, the rider could not hold back tears. This man had always been by his side, supported him, and at one point even advised him to quit racing, believing his grandson had already proven everything he could. But Marc promised his grandfather he would give himself one more chance—and he kept his word. The most recent surgery on his arm was successful, and now, according to the athlete himself, he is sure his grandfather is proud of him, watching his achievements from above. Márquez’s return to the top of motorsport has become a true story about inner strength and family bonds, while his ninth title stands as a symbol of victory over adversity.
