MotoGP race winner Marco Melandri says he would “not be stunned” if Marc Marquez wins the 2026 title and retires after the 2025 championship “takes successful”.
Marc Marquez received his seventh MotoGP world title final 12 months, 5 years after a severe arm damage that threatened his profession.
This places him equal to Valentino Rossi’s document and only one shy of Giacomo Agostini’s all-time document of eight.
Marquez began the 2026 season as a title favourite, however the opening three races have been troublesome for him, and the Ducati rider has but to complete on the rostrum in a Grand Prix.
Though he has taken dash wins and podiums, Ducati fell a step in need of Aprilia in the primary race and Marquez continues to wrestle with a shoulder damage sustained in Indonesia final season.
In a latest interview, Andrea Dovizioso stated Marquez’s bodily scenario was “extra severe than it seems”, however the Ducati rider himself described it as “essential” on the American Grand Prix.
speak to GP one, 5 MotoGP winner Marco Melandri believes the hassle required for Marquez to win the 2025 title has “taken its toll” and he’s contemplating retiring if he wins once more this season.
“He is nonetheless probably the most balanced rider general, even when he is in all probability much less explosive than final 12 months,” he stated in the course of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
“Greater than the damage, I believe it took its toll on the psychological effort required to get the title again, as a result of in my view he was acting at over 110% in 2025.
“He’s nonetheless the favourite, but when (Marco) Bezzecchi handles himself effectively, he may significantly enter the struggle.”
He added: “If Marquez wins the title, he might determine to retire after the season.
“I believe so. I would not be stunned if he stopped after profitable his tenth (Grand Prix) title.”
Marquez’s present contract with Ducati expires on the finish of this season, however he’s set to stay with the Italian model till 2027.
He admitted earlier this 12 months that his bodily situation delayed signing a brand new contract.
Nonetheless, bulletins to all riders are largely on maintain whereas producers focus on new business offers with the championship.
