Marc Marquez experienced one of his most physically demanding MotoGP races in more than a decade during the Qatar Grand Prix, with his heart rate reaching 190 beats per minute in the closing stages.
The Ducati rider shared the reading on Instagram after Sunday's race, revealing that he had not recorded such a high heart rate in over 10 years.
“Over 10 years since I last hit this heart rate,” Marquez wrote. “My heart was pounding out of my chest in the last two laps!”
Despite being unable to challenge Marco Bezzecchi for victory, Marquez refused to settle for third place. The Spaniard launched a late attack on Raul Fernandez, eventually overtaking the Trackhouse rider to secure second with three laps remaining.
The move earned Marquez four additional championship points, which could prove important as he closes in on another MotoGP title.
“I was completely exhausted in the end, empty, but if you want to fight for the championship you need to give everything and I did it,” Marquez explained.
“I had that extra risk to overtake Fernandez and push the last two laps because you never know if you will need those four points.”
Source: Bola Sport
The effort came after a physically demanding run of three consecutive race weekends, with Marquez admitting that he struggled throughout the Qatar round.
The six-time premier-class champion, who was seeking to clinch the title in Lusail, said he had deliberately limited his time on track during practice and warm-up to conserve energy for the race.
Although his physical condition remained challenging, Marquez insisted his mental strength was at its best.
“On the mental side I feel better than ever. If not, it would be impossible to ride as I ride,” he said.
“But physically I was completely exhausted. Three races in a row, I was struggling a lot this weekend.”
Marquez ultimately missed his first opportunity to secure the championship in Qatar, but his second-place finish extended his advantage over Jorge Martin to 60 points.
With the Portuguese Grand Prix next on the calendar, Marquez now needs a Sprint victory at Portimao to secure his eighth premier-class world championship, matching the record.
