Michele Pirro: Marc Marquez Is “Truly Happy” Back on a Ducati Bike

MotoGP, Sportrik Media – Marc Marquez has taken a crucial step in his recovery ahead of MotoGP 2026 after returning to the track for the first time since his latest injury, with Michele Pirro confirming that the Ducati star looked “genuinely happy” riding again.

The six-time MotoGP world champion completed two days of private running on Thursday and Friday at the Circuit Aspar Guadassuar in Valencia, using a Ducati Panigale V2 as part of his rehabilitation programme. It marked Marquez’s first time back on a motorcycle after missing the final four rounds of the 2025 season following a shoulder and arm injury.

Although Marquez kept his public comments brief, posting only that it was his “first ride of 2026” and that he was “finding the feeling again”, Pirro’s observations offered a far deeper insight into the Spaniard’s condition. As Ducati’s test and development rider, Pirro was present throughout the Guadassuar sessions and was able to directly assess Marquez’s physical and mental state on the bike.

According to Pirro, Marquez’s body language was immediately striking. The Italian noted that beyond simply riding without visible discomfort, Marquez appeared relaxed, engaged and emotionally positive, a key indicator after a rider returns from a complex injury. In a sport where hesitation can be as damaging as pain, Pirro believes the way Marquez attacked the circuit showed a rider reconnecting with his natural instincts.

The significance of the test extends far beyond the kilometres covered. Marquez’s latest injury was sustained after contact with Marco Bezzecchi at the Indonesian Grand Prix, impacting the same shoulder and arm areas that have plagued him since his catastrophic crash in 2020. The incident forced him to miss four crucial races at the end of 2025, a period usually reserved for finalising technical direction ahead of a new season.

For Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez’s return to riding is therefore strategically vital. As the reigning MotoGP champion, his feedback is now central to Ducati’s 2026 development path, particularly as the factory prepares to introduce refinements to the GP26. Even though the Panigale V2 is not a prototype MotoGP machine, it allows engineers and riders to evaluate load tolerance, braking confidence and shoulder stability under racing-style forces.

Pirro observed that Marquez was able to apply pressure through the handlebars and front end without signs of guarding or compensating, a critical marker for shoulder rehabilitation. This suggests that Marquez is not only healing, but regaining the confidence required to push at the limit — something that cannot be replicated in the gym or simulator.

The timing is also important, with official pre-season testing set to begin on 3 February at the Sepang International Circuit. Ducati needs Marquez fully operational by then, not just for lap time, but to guide development alongside Francesco Bagnaia as the team shapes its 2026 baseline.

Marquez’s visible happiness on the bike may ultimately be as significant as any data point. Riders who enjoy riding again after injury tend to rediscover their aggression and fluidity more quickly, and history shows that a confident Marquez is one of the most formidable forces in MotoGP.

As Ducati prepares to defend its crown, Marquez’s return to form will be one of the defining stories of the new season — a recovery closely followed by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com.