MARQUEZ’S SHOULDER INJURY SHAPES EVEN HIS VICTORY CELEBRATIONS

Marc Marquez is managing his right-shoulder injury carefully as he heads back to Indonesia, where his crash damaged ligaments and broke his collarbone. The injury required surgery soon after the accident and a second operation in May, when a screw came loose. With six rounds remaining, he is just two points behind Jorge Martin in the championship.

The effects are evident away from the circuit as well as on it. Journalist Borja Gonzalez said on Hospitality Motociclismo that Marquez had to change arms while lifting his girlfriend, Gemma Pinto, for photographs after his Aragon victory. He first used his right arm, then switched to his left because the injured side lacked strength.

“We saw how he had to switch arms when lifting his girlfriend, Gemma, because, with his injured arm, he didn’t have the same strength,” Gonzalez said. He described Marquez’s approach as “very cerebral and calculated”, saying the rider is attentive to when he can push and when he needs to conserve energy. Gonzalez added that Marquez is avoiding unnecessary risks in every part of his life while trying to perform at his best and win the title.

That caution has been visible in other moments. Marquez barely moved on the Austria Sprint podium as the Aprilia riders sprayed prosecco, and he skipped the kart race before the Japanese Grand Prix, saying his focus was on the championship. His surgeon has reportedly described him as riding with “one and a half arms”. Marquez also cannot sleep on his right side or play padel using the affected arm.

Marquez has generally avoided discussing the shoulder in detail. Most public updates have come from his team or doctors, although he has shared an image showing the impact of surgeries on his right arm since 2020. Gonzalez said the rider has to recognise his limits so they do not overwhelm him, while remaining determined to keep the championship within reach.