Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has expressed his concerns about the increasing difficulty of maintaining a long career in the sport. According to Marquez, the heightened competitiveness and the intense demands on riders make it more challenging than ever to sustain a high level of performance over many years.
Reflecting on the recent announcement of Aleix Espargaro’s retirement at the end of the 2024 season, Marquez highlighted the shifting dynamics within MotoGP. Espargaro’s career, which started in the 125cc class in 2004 and continued uninterrupted in MotoGP from 2012 to 2024, stands as a testament to the endurance required in the sport. Marquez himself is set to become the most experienced rider on the grid next year when he joins the factory Ducati team, marking his 13th season in the premier class.
Marquez pointed out that while the riders are often the deciding factor in races, the performance of the bikes has become increasingly equal, making it harder for any one rider to dominate for an extended period. The influx of highly skilled riders from Moto2 further intensifies the competition, pushing everyone to their limits and making it harder to maintain a top position over a long career.
Theoretically, riders like Marquez, who will be 32 next year, could extend their careers into their 40s, similar to Valentino Rossi, who retired at 42. Rossi’s career spanned from 1996 to 2021, with his last championship win in 2009 and his final grand prix victory in 2017. Despite these impressive achievements, Rossi’s later years in MotoGP were challenging, particularly his last season with the Petronas SRT Yamaha team where he didn’t secure any podium finishes.
Marquez has also faced significant challenges in recent years. He has not won a grand prix since 2021, largely due to ongoing injury issues and the struggles with his Honda machinery. These factors highlight the physical and technical hurdles that riders must overcome to maintain a competitive edge in MotoGP.
The future of MotoGP careers appears uncertain, with the sport’s evolving nature demanding peak performance and adaptability from its riders. As Marquez prepares for his upcoming season with Ducati, the question remains whether he and his peers can adapt to these new challenges and extend their careers in the face of relentless competition.
