sports
Dovizioso warns Marc Márquez is in worse shape than it appears
Andrea Dovizioso says Marc Márquez’s repeated arm operations and a recent crash have left him below his former level, a decline reflected in modest points and a difficult weekend in Austin.
Apr 2nd 2026 · Spain
Insights
- Dovizioso says repeated right arm surgeries and the Mandalika crash have left Márquez physically diminished.
- Márquez has 45 points after three rounds, with 21 from Sprints and 24 from main races.
- Championship leaders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín have 81 and 77 points respectively.
- In Austin Márquez qualified sixth, crashed in the Sprint and finished fifth in the race after serving a Long Lap penalty.
- Dovizioso says Ducati is not yet at Aprilia’s level, opening a title opportunity for Aprilia, and he cautions that Pedro Acosta needs a stronger KTM or a different bike to show true championship potential.