The 2026 MotoGP season hasn’t just started; it has exploded. After a nail-biting Tissot Sprint at the Chang International Circuit that saw Marc Marquez lose his victory on the final corner due to a post-race penalty, the eight-time World Champion didn’t hold back in the media scrum.
While Marquez officially finished P2 behind rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, the #93 was more interested in talking about the “new rules” and the timing of the Stewards’ decisions than the trophy itself.
Marquez’s primary frustration wasn’t necessarily the drop-position penalty for his aggressive “block pass” on Acosta, but the way it was communicated.
“If you want to be strict in the rules, if you want to have a lot of penalties, do it—but do it well,” Marquez told reporters. “Why take a minute and a half to give me the message? Give it to me at the exit of Turn 3 if it’s clear, or wait and review at the end. I only received the message at Turn 11.”
Despite the anger, Marquez served the penalty with veteran precision, slowing down at the final corner to let Acosta through while keeping enough momentum to fend off Raul Fernandez for second place.
Acosta might have the win, but Marquez remains adamant that his move on “The Shark” was a racing masterpiece, not a foul.
“The strategy was perfect. The block pass was in the best way possible. Before the apex, I was already a half-bike in front of him. For me, it was a perfect move. But we need to adapt to the new rules. It’s the only thing.”
When asked if he would take his grievances to the Stewards’ office, Marquez was blunt: “I am a rider. I never cry, and I will never cry. I will just adapt my riding style to what they need.”
Marquez acknowledged that while he fought for the win, he was constantly managing risks. He admitted that his “body language” is still in a protective mode following past injuries, preventing him from taking the 100% risks needed to pull a gap on the KTM and Aprilia riders.
“I saw already yesterday and this morning that Marco [Bezzecchi] and Pedro were super fast. It was not a surprise when I saw Acosta fighting.”
“Maybe it was possible to open a gap? Maybe yes, but today was time to finish the race.”
At 33, Marquez insists he is viewing the 2026 season with a different perspective. He accepted the penalty not because he agreed with it, but because he has the maturity to move on to the next battle.
“I accept it in a better way because I’m 33 years old. If I’m just like [a younger rider], we can save the cartoons. We are living in a different weekend now.”
Credit Photo : MotoGP
