Marc Marquez claimed the Hungarian Grand Prix pole and went on to win both races, a performance that still signals his capability to compete at the front despite a shoulder injury that has kept him from full fitness.
Recovery timeline and training setbacks
The rider has undergone seven surgeries on the shoulder that landed him mid-season in 2025, then a new procedure last month after a relapse of pain that prevented him from giving consistent force during practice.
Rigamonti, Marquez’s crew chief, said the machine was not giving the rider 100 % of its potential because of a lack of muscle strength, leading to streaky performance in both Friday and Saturday runs.
After missing the Catalan GP due to the surgery, the Ducati team returned to action at Mugello, where Marquez immediately showcased a sharper pace compared to early season knocks.
Performance at Mugello sets a new benchmark
During the Mugello weekend, the rider recorded lap times on the left‑handed curves that were on par with his pre‑injury days, indicating a reduction in the “force lag” that had plagued his early outings.
He admitted that despite feeling “good” on the track, the machine still felt “light” on his shoulders, causing an uneven distribution of power in certain corners.
Rigamonti acknowledged that while the start of the Mugello race was encouraging, a full 100 % recovery might still require additional weeks of targeted training.
Physical limitations loom over upcoming races
Even after the Hungarian double, Marquez’s camp remains cautious. The new shoulder clearance limits his ability to push the bike hard over the full 20‑lap sets seen in earlier sessions.
In practice, he rode only 4–6 laps of intense effort before feeling the deficit, and in some corners – such as those that cause wheelies at Balaton – he had to pull the handlebars to regain stability.
The rider has mentioned that the reduced leg strength does not comfortably compensate for the lack of upper‑body force, adding to the uncertainty about his confidence across the upcoming Brno and Assen races.
Team perspective on future prospects
Rigamonti highlighted that even in 2025, the rider was a step below his pre‑injury level, requiring additional off‑track work that brings “extra training away from the track.”
He also noted that it is difficult to gauge whether three to four months of focused rehabilitation will bring Marquez back to 100 % of the 2024 Standard, and whether this can keep up with rivals who continually improve.
Looking ahead
With the Hungarian success confirming that Marquez can still dictate the outcome on anti‑clockwise circuits, the focus will be on whether he can sustain that power to the line, manage the lingering shoulder issue, and keep pace with the teams tightening the competitive pack across the season.
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