Marc Marquez has ruled out any realistic hopes of standing on the podium at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Aprilia’s ascendancy reshapes the championship landscape
Last season Ducati’s dominance evaporated as Aprilia seized the performance lead, turning the Balaton Park circuit into a new benchmark for the MotoGP field. The Spanish rider, who swept pole and both races in 2025, now confronts a grid where Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi and other Aprilia‑powered machines consistently outpace his Ducati.
Shoulder surgery still limits full‑strength output
Following a second operation to extract a nerve‑pressing screw, Marquez admits his right shoulder remains a work in progress. While the nerve issue has been addressed, the surrounding musculature—collarbone, biceps and upper‑body stabilizers—still demand extensive rehabilitation before he can replicate his previous form.
“The nerve repair was essential, yet the muscles that feed it are still waking up,” he explained, noting lingering odd sensations and the need for both gym work and on‑track patience.
Strategic outlook for the Hungarian weekend
When pressed about any chance of fighting for top‑three positions, Marquez dismissed the notion, stating that aiming for a podium would imply competitors are underperforming. He cited his flawless Mugello weekend as a reference point, where pole and double victories set the standard he now deems unattainable at Balaton Park.
“The real battle is against the Aprilias; they are on another level,” he added, acknowledging that his focus will be on personal improvement rather than podium ambition as the Hungarian GP approaches.
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