Marc Marquez has made it clear that equalling or surpassing Valentino Rossi’s championship tally is not his primary motivation as he continues to lead the 2025 MotoGP standings.
Should Marquez win this year’s title, it would mark his seventh in the premier class—level with Rossi—and his ninth overall, equalling the Italian legend’s career total.
However, when asked whether matching Rossi’s record drives him, Marquez dismissed the notion, instead highlighting his return from injury as his most meaningful accomplishment.
“For me, nine championships… arriving, not arriving… the biggest challenge of my career I already achieved, which was coming back from a very deep moment,” Marquez said, reflecting on his 2022 corrective surgery after a years-long battle with a misaligned right humerus.
“Three years ago, here at Mugello, I announced I was going to America to have my arm broken again. I already achieved my biggest challenge. Everybody has their own career, injuries, riding style, character… but I’m happy with what I’ve done and now I’m just enjoying.”
Marquez currently holds a 32-point lead in the standings after a dominant performance at the Aragon Grand Prix, and while he admits feeling the pressure as a Ducati rider, his focus is on racing well rather than chasing records.
“Of course, I will try to win the championship, but this is not always just a matter of wanting. We try,” he added.
Heading into the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello—a venue he hasn’t won at since 2014—Marquez said he plans to analyse data from his teammate Pecco Bagnaia, who has dominated at the circuit in recent years, as well as from his brother Álex Marquez, to improve his performance.
