Marc Marquez has opened up about a long-standing shoulder injury that has quietly affected his MotoGP performances, revealing the extent of his physical struggle during the current season.
The Ducati rider explained that complications from previous surgeries on his right arm have continued since 2020. A key issue stems from a screw inserted during a 2019 operation, which began to bend and intermittently press on a nerve, causing sudden loss of strength in his arm.
Marquez said the problem only became apparent when pushing his MotoGP bike to the limit, leaving him unable to fully control the machine at times. He described the sensation as “one and a half arms,” highlighting how severely it impacted his riding.
Source: Motorsports.com
Despite the issue, he continued competing and had previously insisted he was in strong physical condition. However, the discomfort remained unpredictable and difficult to manage during high-intensity racing.
A planned minor surgery after the Catalunya GP was expected to address the problem, but a crash during the French Grand Prix sprint race changed those plans. The incident left him with a fractured toe, prompting doctors and his team to combine both procedures into a single operation.
The decision was supported by Ducati management, including Gigi Dall’Igna and his crew chief Marco Rigamonti, who had been aware of his condition. The focus was placed on prioritising long-term recovery over short-term racing return.
Marquez later addressed his situation in a Ducati behind-the-scenes feature, where he admitted the emotional toll of competing while injured. He stressed that the priority now is recovery and avoiding the mistakes of rushing back too soon, as he had done in the past.
With surgery completed, Marquez is now expected to begin his rehabilitation process, with hopes of returning fully fit and competitive once again in MotoGP.
