Álex Márquez crashed while leading the MotoGP Sprint at Sepang, hours after taking his first pole position of the 2026 season. The Gresini rider says a small mistake on a low-grip corner, with a few raindrops around, ended his race early.
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Speaking with our correspondent Manuel Pecino, Márquez admitted, “I made a very small error, but with this heat and low grip, that tiny mistake had big consequences. Honestly, I didn’t expect to crash there; maybe I felt too confident after the pole this morning and was a bit too optimistic.”
Despite the high-speed impact, the Catalan rider confirmed he escaped physically unscathed: “It was like a big hit, but physically I’m fine. There was a slight hit from behind, but that wasn’t the cause of the crash.”
Shoulder problems and possible surgery
Márquez’s concerns extend beyond the disappointment on track. The rider revealed ongoing struggles with his right shoulder and clavicle, injuries sustained in a serious crash at Montmeló. “Since I returned, I’ve been getting injections each race to manage bursitis, but the effect is fading, and the pain is increasing,” Márquez explained.
He is now contemplating surgery next week alongside Dr. Samuel Antuña, a move that could sideline him from the upcoming Qatar GP. “We’re evaluating the whole situation—there’s the plate, the bursitis, everything. This can’t continue much longer,” he stated resolutely. The situation was also covered in our report that Alex Márquez may skip Qatar MotoGP for clavicle surgery.
Pole position and the crash
The pole position itself was a rare high point for Márquez this season. “I felt very good this morning, and although points matter more than pole positions, it was nice to finally clock a fast lap here with the Ducati, something I usually struggle with,” he reflected.
However, his limited track time in the Sprint, just two and a half laps, could impact his physical condition and preparation for the main race. “It could also be an advantage for my fitness; we’ll see,” he added.
Márquez also commented on the race conditions and race direction’s handling of the intermittent rain. “There were a few drops, especially in Turns 2 and 3, which justified the white flag. It’s hard for race control to know exactly how wet the track is, so I think they did a good job,” he said.
Addressing the crash in more detail during a DAZN interview, the rider stated, “Yes, there were some drops, but they didn’t cause my fall. I was probably too confident at that corner, flowing well, and the good feeling from the morning made me feel invincible. This crash is a reality check and will help me be more cautious tomorrow.”
Álex Márquez’s situation highlights the fine line between pushing for success and managing physical limits. His decision on surgery will be pivotal, potentially putting his participation in early-season events at risk but aiming for a stronger return later in the year. “We have to be patient, but continuing like this isn’t sustainable,” Márquez concluded.
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