Marc Márquez admitted on 6 July 2026 that he felt “uncomfortable and inconsistent” during the Dutch Grand Prix sprint at Assen, ultimately being classified sixth after a penalty to Francesco Bagnaia. The nine‑time world champion warned that his weekend would be about survival rather than podiums.
What happened at Assen?
On Saturday, the factory Ducati rider ran a half‑distance sprint and crossed the line seventh, later promoted to sixth when Bagnaia received a one‑place grid drop for going off‑track on the final lap. Márquez finished behind the four Aprilia machines and fellow Ducati teammates Fabio di Giannantonio and Bagnaia. He described the race as a “step” that left him stuck around seventh‑eighth place, unable to challenge the front‑runners.
Why does Márquez feel uncomfortable?
The Spaniard explained that Assen’s rapid direction changes sap his confidence. “The circuit uses maximum force in the corners, especially the left‑to‑right transitions,” he said. “I feel good on the straight braking, but when there’s no gas and I have to shift weight, I lose grip.” He added that his body leans forward when braking into a right‑hand turn, a habit that caused a fall during Friday’s practice.
How does this affect his 2026 outlook?
Márquez stressed that the 2026 season will feature “survival” races for him. He expects to finish eighth, tenth, or lower at tracks that don’t suit his style. “I’m doing my 100 % but I cannot do more now,” he said, emphasizing that he entered Assen expecting a struggle. The rider also acknowledged Aprilia’s strength on fast‑corner circuits, noting that the Italian team locked out the top four on the grid and took first and second in the sprint.
What’s next for the Ducati rider?
Looking ahead, Márquez plans to evaluate each of the 22 races individually, hoping to find circuits where Ducati’s package matches his comfort zone. He remains focused on staying in the points and avoiding crashes, especially on tracks with abrasive gravel. The rider’s candid assessment signals a pragmatic approach as he navigates a challenging year.
How did rivals perform?
Aprilia’s Fabio di Giannantonio and Francesco Bagnaia delivered strong performances, with Bagnaia initially finishing ahead before his penalty. The Aprilia duo demonstrated the bike’s advantage in rapid cornering, a factor Márquez believes will influence the championship battle throughout the season.