Marc Marquez Reacts Strongly to MotoGP's New Penalty Decision: 'Showmanship Happens on Track!'

The decision by the MotoGP management to impose fines on riders who do not participate in promotional events drew a reaction from Marc Marquez. The Ducati rider stated that he supports the growth of the championship but expressed concern that the workload on riders is increasing during race weekends. This new regulation covers the Hero Walk event organized to meet fans on Sunday mornings and requires riders to spend at least 10 minutes in this area. In case of infringement, the possibility of increased fines and sporting sanctions being introduced came under consideration.

MotoGP's Approach to Growth and Rider Load

Marc Marquez stated that he is among those who support the growth of MotoGP, but that this growth should not come at the expense of overtaxing the riders. He emphasized that the sponsor activities, meetings, warm-up sessions, rider parade ceremonies, and obligations like the Hero Walk that riders encounter outside of race weekends affect their physical and mental preparation.

In their words

We can grow without overtaxing riders

Concern Over the Intensification of the Racing Schedule

Marc Marquez expressed concern about the new race weekend format that MotoGP is preparing for next year. He stated that the intensity of track time will increase with the inclusion of sprint qualifying in the schedule. He argued that expecting riders to make greater sacrifices for the organization's growth is not the correct approach.

In their words

The schedule will become even more intense next year. Although the total time spent on track will be similar, the intensity will increase, and we will spend more time in the race tents.

The Right Way for the Organization

Marc Marquez stated that they are the first to help the champion, but there are other ways for the organization to grow. He emphasized that MotoGP's show takes place on the track, not off it.

In their words

We are the first to help the champion. But there are other ways for growth. We hold the show on the track, not off it.

The Context of the New Regulation

The new fine regulation came into focus approximately a week after he sent a double to a karting event before the Japanese Grand Prix. He expressed that the Spanish rider should rest during that period and prioritize his physical health due to the championship fight. While it is stated that the MotoGP management monitors rider participation in promotional events in the final weeks, there is no official confirmation that the new regulation was introduced directly because of Marquez's actions in Japan. Marquez's statements led to a debate about the balance between MotoGP's commercial growth goals and the need for riders to prepare for races.

What They Said

• We can grow without overtaxing riders.
• I am among those who want MotoGP to grow and become a larger organization. However, there are other ways to achieve this without overtaxing riders.
• There is too much we have to do on weekends. Besides MotoGP's own events, there are sponsor activities, meetings, warm-up sessions, rider parade ceremonies, and the Hero Walk. Then we go back to meetings because we cannot find time earlier.
• Ultimately, we are sportsmen.
• The schedule will become even more intense next year. Although the total time spent on track will be similar, the intensity will increase, and we will spend more time in the race tents.
• We are the first to help the champion. But there are other ways for growth. We hold the show on the track, not off it.

Figures

• Marc Marquez is competing in 2nd place with 353 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Ducati Team).
• Archive: [Championship message from Jorge Martin to Marc Marquez: "I don't think I will be pushed too hard anymore!"]](/news/agenda/jorge-martinden-marc-marqueze-sampiyonluk-mesaji-artik-zorlanacagimi-dusunmuyorum) (October 12, 2026)

Compiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz