VERMEULEN SAYS MARQUEZ HAS TAKEN ROSSI’S RACECRAFT TO ANOTHER LEVEL

Chris Vermeulen believes Marc Marquez is drawing on Valentino Rossi’s racecraft as he pursues an eighth MotoGP title, and may have taken the Italian’s tactical strengths even further.

With five rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Marquez is just two points behind championship leader Jorge Martin. Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi is third, 46 points behind Martin. Marquez matched Rossi’s tally of seven premier-class crowns last season and now has the chance to move ahead of his long-time rival.

Vermeulen’s assessment comes as Marquez manages persistent problems with his right arm and shoulder. After the French Grand Prix, he underwent surgery to remove two bent screws that were pressing on a nerve. The operation followed treatment for a right-foot injury, but did not end his difficulties. At Silverstone, Marquez told Ducati he had “no control” over his right arm. He has described his condition as effectively racing with “one and a half arms,” and has begun doing press-ups on the grid to get blood flowing through the limb.

The shoulder has been operated on seven times since 2019, and an image Marquez shared over the summer showed the physical toll of those procedures. Despite the limitations, he has recorded six Grand Prix victories and eight Sprint wins in 2026 ahead of the Australian round, the 18th of 22.

Speaking to FOX Sports Australia, Vermeulen said Marquez’s ability to adjust during a race reminded him of Rossi’s greatest asset: understanding what was happening around him and responding accordingly. “In smarts on the bike, he’s equivalent to Valentino Rossi, and that was Valentino’s strength,” he said. “In terms of pure talent, Marc has more, but he has Rossi’s smarts, as well. He’s being more Valentino than Valentino was.”

Vermeulen also suggested Marquez could be concealing the full extent of his injuries, adding that they might be affecting him more than he lets on. He noted that Ducati is not in a strong position at present, making Marquez’s results all the more striking. “His way of adapting – managing situations in the middle of a race – he’s a very clever rider, as well as a very talented one,” Vermeulen said.

The former MotoGP rider described Marquez as single-minded in his pursuit of the championship: “Marc will do whatever it takes to win this championship.” He added: “Marc’s not there to make friends, but he is there to win – and he’s open about it. He’s there for one reason and one reason only.”

For Vermeulen, Marquez’s ability to remain in contention despite his injuries, age and what he considers an inferior bike is evidence of his standing among the sport’s greats. “The level he can take himself to when he’s battling for a world championship and what he’s willing to do when he has to put everything on the line just explains why he’s one of the best of all time,” he said.