Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Marc Marquez explains triple crash drama ahead of 2026 MotoGP season opener

13:30, 22 Feb

byAndrew McLarney

Seven-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez has insisted that he is still feeling positive ahead of the 2026 season opener next weekend after the Spaniard suffered a trio of crashes on the final day of testing.

Marquez, who was was consistently among the fastest riders throughout the test period, forced a red flag in the final afternoon session after both he and his brother Alex crashed out in separate incidents.

The body didn’t come back in a good way.

- Marc Marquez

Speaking to the media following the event, Marc gave his perspective on the cause behind the crashes as well as an overall update on his health and mindset:

“Maybe also this afternoon I was too tired to do the long run, and honestly speaking, the crash was a lack of concentration a bit, because as yesterday I had problems with my stomach. [...] Today it was much better, but the body didn’t come back in a good way."

Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

"But I’m very, very happy because the feeling with the bike was good all morning, and I was riding in a good way."

"All three crashes I had this weekend were a lack of concentration."

“Of course, when you lack concentration, you go over the limit, but the problem is that I have that instinct to be fast, and when I’m fully concentrated, I can control it. [...] If not, the speed is not something to control.”

Marquez could be in for a slightly more competitive season this year as rivals such as Aprilia look to close the gap. Marco Bezzecchi was the fastest in the race simulations in the afternoon sessions, but it was Marc who put up the fastest overall time of the day.