Tardozzi Reveals Marc Marquez Injury Crisis and Emotional Ducati Moment

Marc Marquez will miss the 2026 Catalunya MotoGP after undergoing surgery following complications linked to the injury problems that intensified after the French Grand Prix. Ducati Lenovo Team manager Davide Tardozzi has now revealed how Marquez’s physical condition had already been affecting his performances for several rounds. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Tardozzi explained that the roots of Marquez’s latest physical problems could be traced back to the Indonesia round, when the Spaniard was still recovering from multiple previous operations on his right arm. Ducati initially believed Marquez’s struggles were mainly caused by the lack of riding time after a long absence from MotoGP machinery. 

However, the situation became more concerning after difficult weekends in Austin and Jerez. Marquez reportedly realised the issue went beyond normal recovery because the weakness only appeared while riding a MotoGP bike, not during motocross or flat track training sessions at home. Further medical investigations eventually discovered movement in one of the metal implants inside his arm.

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"They discovered that one pin was moving around two millimetres and pressing on the radial nerve. That caused Marc to lose strength in his right arm," Tardozzi explained.

From a technical perspective, the issue represented a major problem for a modern MotoGP rider because extreme braking loads and rapid direction changes require complete arm stability and front-end sensitivity. Even a small loss of feeling can significantly affect braking precision, corner entry confidence, and overall bike control.

Tardozzi also confirmed that surgery would likely have taken place even without Marquez’s heavy Le Mans crash. Once doctors identified the radial nerve issue as the main source of the strength loss, Marquez and his medical team decided immediate surgery was the best option, forcing him to miss the Barcelona test programme to prioritise full recovery. 

Beyond the medical explanation, Tardozzi also discussed the emotional moment in the Ducati garage when Marquez was seen crying after the injury setback. According to the Ducati team manager, the team deliberately chose to share that vulnerable side of the eight-time world champion with the public. 

"We wanted to show the person, not just the champion. There are fragilities behind the achievements of a rider like Marc," Tardozzi said. 

Tardozzi also urged fans to stop defining the current Marquez through his controversial 2015 rivalry with Valentino Rossi. According to the Italian, Marquez has matured significantly over the years and has repeatedly acknowledged mistakes made earlier in his career. 

For now, Ducati insists its main priority is not the championship battle or Marquez’s future contract situation, but ensuring the Spaniard’s recovery progresses correctly. Tardozzi also refused to provide any timeline regarding Marquez’s return to MotoGP competition. 

Marquez’s absence from Catalunya represents a major setback for Ducati during a crucial phase of the MotoGP title fight against Aprilia. Ducati is now hoping the rehabilitation process progresses smoothly so the Cervera rider can return before the championship reaches its critical mid-season phase.