TARDOZZI SAYS MARQUEZ IS IN BETTER PHYSICAL SHAPE AHEAD OF TITLE DECIDER

Marc Marquez heads into the final two rounds of the 2026 MotoGP season in a much better physical condition than he has been for much of the year, according to Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi.

Marquez began the season still dealing with the effects of a 2025 crash in Mandalika, which damaged his shoulder and caused nerve problems in his right arm. He later underwent surgery after crashing in the Le Mans Sprint, and had not felt fully fit since returning at Mugello. Despite those setbacks, he has mounted a remarkable title charge: after trailing by 102 points before Mugello, he now leads Jorge Martin by 60, having won seven Grands Prix and eight Sprints.

The championship could be decided at Portimao. Marquez will take the title if he wins the Sprint, but Tardozzi stressed that victory is not essential. “He doesn’t have to win,” he told AS. “He [Martin] just needs to score two points. If he wins the sprint, he’s the champion, sure, but if he finishes two points ahead of Martín, he’s the champion too. Winning isn’t the priority; the championship is.”

Marquez has said he wants to “step back” in the closing races after taking extra risks during the recent triple-header. Tardozzi noted that the rider was still feeling the physical strain after his Malaysian victory. In Qatar, Marquez won Saturday’s Sprint despite a first-corner collision with Marco Bezzecchi and a late challenge from Martin. He finished second in Sunday’s Grand Prix, behind Aprilia’s Martin, and left with match point for Portimao.

Asked about the atmosphere in Qatar, Tardozzi described nervous tension and a strong desire to perform, but said Marquez is currently free of physical problems. “There are no issues right now. Physically, Marc is actually in better shape than he has been at other times, and he knows how to manage himself,” he said. He also praised Marquez’s handling of his condition, mindset, tyres and bike, calling him “a hundred-time champion” in those respects.

Marquez’s fitness remains a major talking point, particularly given the impact his arm has had on his season and questions about how long he will continue racing. Although he has signed a new Ducati contract through 2028, speculation persists that he could retire after securing the 2026 crown. Tardozzi’s update offers reassurance ahead of the title decider, while Marquez’s immediate focus is on managing himself and securing the championship rather than chasing another win.