Danilo Petrucci has dismissed the idea that Ducati’s Marc Marquez is in a “crisis” or that he has “given up,” even though the reigning MotoGP champion has had a slow start to his title defence in 2026.
Marquez heads into this weekend’s Americas Grand Prix at COTA sitting fifth in the standings with 34 points after two rounds. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi currently leads with 56 points, following wins at both the Thailand and Brazilian Grands Prix.
The championship picture could be different if not for a pair of unfortunate incidents early in the season. Marquez was denied a likely podium in Thailand due to a puncture and dropped from P3 to P4 in Brazil after running wide because of deteriorating track conditions, allowing VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio to get by.
While Marquez lost his place in Brazil due to track conditions, there are still lingering concerns over whether his form might be linked to his shoulder injury. He underwent surgery last October, which forced him out of the rest of the 2025 campaign.
Danilo Petrucci says Marc Marquez is adapting his style in 2026 as he recovers from shoulder surgery
Marquez has asked Ducati to hold off on contract talks for 2027 until he feels fully recovered. Petrucci thinks Marquez’s cautious approach this year is directly tied to his injury.
Petrucci believes that Marquez is being more cautious than usual, aware that pushing too hard early on could worsen his recovery. He also noted that the Spaniard is thinking long-term about the title race, rather than focusing only on individual results.
“He, himself, said he’s not feeling great, but Marquez is Marquez,” Petrucci told MOW. “He was unlucky in Thailand, he still won the Sprint in Brazil, and now Austin, which is literally his home, and Jerez are coming, with the added bonus of the postponement of Qatar, which has never been his favourite track.
“So, I would never underestimate Marquez. In my opinion, he’s managing himself both physically and mentally. Above all else, he doesn’t want to make mistakes.”
“He wants to be consistent,” Petrucci continued. “He’s aiming for the championship and keeping an eye on the bigger picture. He knows that a physique like his can no longer afford too many risks.”
The Circuit of the Americas has historically been one of Marquez’s strongest tracks with seven wins from 11 visits during his time at Repsol Honda. But it’s now three years since he last tasted victory at COTA and two races since he completed a race distance there.