Marquez on his toughest challenge, not dwelling on misfortune, and facing brother Alex

In the gardens of one of Doha’s most luxurious hotels, Marc Marquez gave an in-depth interview to Motorsport.com, in which the Ducati rider - on a mission to conquer his seventh MotoGP title - discussed a wide range of topics, both sporting and personal. 

At 32 years old, the Spaniard arrived in Qatar with plenty of time to acclimatise to the heat, stroll through the capital’s souk with his partner Gemma, and prepare for the fourth stop on the calendar.

After the bad vibes he left with from Austin - where he crashed out while comfortably leading the race - the erstwhile championship leader is approaching this weekend’s race at Losail eager to regain the momentum he had built up until that Sunday in Texas. 

Seated beneath a palm tree in the splendid gardens of the Ritz Carlton hotel, Marquez appeared relaxed and very calm - as though he was just enjoying the moment, having emerged from some very dark years.

Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

Photo by: F.A.R.O.

With that attitude, Marquez tackled every question with a smile - whether about racing or more personal matters. 

“When I make a mistake like the one in Austin, I try to put things into perspective. I think of someone who gets into a road accident and loses a friend or family member. I made a mistake, okay, but in two weeks, I have another race,” he said when asked how he deals with frustration. 

The conversation delved deeply into the psychological side of someone who, as he admitted, has suffered far more off the track than on it.

The injury to his right arm in 2020 that led to him considering retirement has made him value his ability to overcome adversity more than the records and successes that fill his unique track record. 

“My ability to overcome adversity defines me more than the records. In five years, no one will talk about my records, but the ability to face challenges - that’s very important. That was the toughest challenge of my life,” emphasised Marquez, before clearly identifying the one moment in his life he would change: “That Friday in Jerez [2020], when I tried to get back on the bike too soon.” 

Watch: Watch Marc Marquez decide on his grid gamble

Marc is now facing an unusual situation in the Marquez household, as he trails younger brother and championship leader Alex by one point in the standings. Contrary to what some might think, the fierce competitiveness shown so far by the Gresini Ducati rider has actually brought the siblings closer together.

“Our relationship has grown stronger, because now we’re speaking the same language,” said Marquez. “That’s hard when one of us is eight tenths off the pace, because it means we’re in very different places.” 

And then there’s his bond with the bike, the machine that has given him so much and made him suffer in equal measure.

“Sometimes, when I’m on the bike, I go into a trance; everything flows. When I’m in that zone, with so much confidence, I don’t see the risk and I feel like nothing bad can happen,” he concluded.