Marc Marquez on Jorge Martin: 'Adrenaline is the best painkiller!'

Pulse Sports Team 13:29 - 29 October 2026

MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez has warned against writing off title rival Jorge Martin after the Spaniard was passed fit to race in this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Martin suffered a fractured wrist in a heavy crash during the sprint race in Australia last week, slipping ten points behind Marquez in the championship standings. The factory Aprilia rider was cleared by medical staff to take part in Free Practice 1 at Sepang, despite widespread expectations that the injury will severely hamper his pace on track.

However, Ducati rider Marquez insists his rival will be no easy target. He highlighted the far stricter medical protocols introduced following his own premature return to action at Jerez in 2020, which significantly worsened his injuries at the time.

"I believe that with the new rules brought in after my injury in Jerez, once the doctors declare you fit, it means you are genuinely able to ride," the 33-year-old Spaniard explained. "And if he is able to ride, his level will be very high, because adrenaline is the best painkiller."

Speaking to the Spanish media, Marquez voiced full confidence in his compatriot's outright speed:

"I don't just hope he will be fast – I am completely certain of it. It won't change my preparation or approach to the weekend, but I will definitely be pushing to the absolute limit."

Marquez praised Martin's resolve to line up in Malaysia, emphasizing how crucial his presence is for the fans and the title drama: "Naturally, for the championship battle, it's so much better that Jorge is on the grid. I'm really pleased to see him back on track."

Despite Marquez's diplomatic tone, the psychological momentum firmly sits with him following the events at Phillip Island. In Australia, Martin crashed out during a direct duel with Marquez in the sprint, despite boasting stronger race pace. It was another costly mistake following the Indonesian sprint, where the Aprilia rider had also been faster, only to crash while attempting to reclaim the lead after being forced to surrender it due to tyre pressures.