MOTOGP DOCTOR ANGEL CHARTE SAYS MARQUEZ AND MARTIN RECEIVE THE SAME MEDICAL CARE

MotoGP medical doctor Dr. Angel Charte has described how the sport’s different classes shape riders’ development, and he also addressed what elite competitors like Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin appear to carry mentally after major injuries.

Speaking in a multi-part interview with SPEEDWEEK, Charte said there is a clear difference between riders in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP—especially on a mental level. He explained that the path through the categories is demanding: Moto3 riders must work hard to earn their living and progress to Moto2, while Moto2 riders then have to do the same to reach MotoGP. Charte said this progression is visible in the riders themselves, noting that the differences can be seen “in their faces” day to day.

When asked whether the medical approach changes between classes, Charte said it does not. “Medically speaking, we treat everyone exactly the same,” he stated, adding that in his view Marquez and the last Moto3 rider receive the same medical care.

Charte also linked the mental evolution to experience and adaptation rather than to the medical side of the job. He said that while the motorcycles differ—different engines, capacities and other factors—the riders continue to develop mentally every day. In his description, they learn to ride better, build mental skills, and gain experience in how to handle the machine.

On the question of whether the calm, controlled presence of riders such as Martin and Marquez could be the result of severe injuries pushing them to a “new level,” Charte was cautious. He said he doesn’t know if that specific interpretation is correct, but he does know both riders have very distinct riding styles. He also said he has seen them outside that context and even after one or another crash, describing them as “very, very cool types.” In his view, they possess certain abilities that have been strongly developed through riding.

At the same time, Charte stressed that outward composure does not necessarily mean inner calm. He said that the riders’ heart rates can still be high—around 140 or 150—and that they may carry a large amount of adrenaline in their bodies.

Charte then addressed how serious injuries and long recovery periods can change a rider’s perspective when they return to racing. He said that of course a major injury can alter someone’s mindset. He gave an example of how some riders, after returning, may brake differently or hold back in certain areas. He contrasted the experience of working as a test rider with the reality of competing in a race.

As an illustration, Charte referenced Cal Crutchlow, who suffered a very severe injury in Australia, saying that it “must naturally” have an impact when he gets back on the motorcycle. He also noted that there have been riders who changed after a serious injury.

Overall, Charte’s message combined two themes: the medical system treats riders the same regardless of class, while the mental development and coping with risk vary as riders climb the ladder and as injuries reshape their approach to competition.