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

Pulse Sports Team 13:31 - 29 October 2026

MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez has warned against writing off title rival Jorge Martin after the Spaniard was given the green light by medical staff to compete in this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Martin broke his wrist in a heavy crash during last week's sprint race in Australia, falling ten points adrift of Marquez in the standings. The factory Aprilia rider was passed fit to take part in opening practice at Sepang, despite widespread expectations that the injury will severely compromise his pace.

Ducati rider Marquez, however, insists his rival will be no easy target. He highlighted the much stricter medical requirements introduced after his own premature return to racing at Jerez in 2020, which worsened his physical condition at the time.

“I believe that under the new protocols introduced after my Jerez injury, if the doctors declare him fit, it means he is genuinely able to ride. And if he can ride, his level will be very high because adrenaline is the best painkiller,” the 33-year-old Spaniard said.

Speaking to Spanish media, Marquez voiced complete faith in his compatriot's speed:

“I don’t just hope he will be fast – I am completely sure of it. It won’t change my preparation or how I approach the weekend, but I will definitely be pushing right to the limit.”

Marquez welcomed Martin's determination to line up on the grid in Malaysia, emphasizing that his presence is vital for the championship and the fans: “Naturally, for the title fight, it is much better that Jorge is on the grid. I am happy to see him back on track.”

Despite Marquez’s diplomatic stance, momentum remains firmly on his side following the drama at Phillip Island. Martin crashed out of a direct battle with Marquez in the Australian sprint despite holding the stronger race pace. That followed another mistake in the Indonesian sprint, where the Aprilia rider was again faster, only to slide off trying to recover first place after being forced to surrender the lead due to tyre pressure regulations.