Marc Marquez Admits German MotoGP 2026 Will Test His Fitness

Marc Marquez admits his physical condition will remain a major challenge at the 2026 German MotoGP at the Sachsenring, but believes this weekend’s circuit demands are different from Assen.

Marquez produced an unusually subdued Dutch Grand Prix two weeks ago. He finished sixth in the Sprint, then crossed the line sixth in the main race before being demoted to seventh after a post-race penalty for exceeding track limits on the final lap.

The reigning MotoGP champion explained during the Assen weekend that he was riding with a conservative approach to manage risk. That strategy came as he continued rebuilding his physical strength after surgeries in May following the French Grand Prix.

Baca JugaMarc Marquez Akui Fisiknya Akan Tersiksa di MotoGP Jerman 2026

Although Marquez does not expect to be physically perfect at the Sachsenring, he believes the impact of his current limitations may be reduced compared with Assen. He said the German layout requires less energy, while his record at the circuit remains exceptional with 12 career wins there, including nine in the premier class.

“At Assen we knew from the start that we would have to grit our teeth and suffer, but we still managed to handle the situation and bring home important points for the championship,” Marquez said ahead of the German Grand Prix.

“Here at the Sachsenring the scenario is different: from a physical standpoint I will certainly struggle, but the layout of this track requires less energy. We can be right in the slipstream of the fastest riders,” he added.

On the other side of the Ducati garage, Francesco Bagnaia arrives in Germany after a difficult Assen weekend that ended with retirement due to brake issues. Bagnaia won at the Sachsenring in 2024 after Jorge Martin crashed out of the lead on the penultimate lap, but the Italian admitted the German venue is not among his favourite circuits.

Bagnaia said a strong Sachsenring result will be crucial to closing the first part of the season in the best possible way before the summer break. With Marquez still managing his physical condition and Bagnaia seeking a response after retirement, the German MotoGP becomes an important round for Ducati’s momentum before the next phase of the calendar.