The MotoGP world was set abuzz at the 2025 Czech Grand Prix when Marc Marquez, the eight-time world champion, delivered a surprising and heartfelt statement about Jorge Martin’s long-awaited return to the grid. Martin, the reigning MotoGP champion, had been sidelined for much of the 2025 season due to a series of debilitating injuries, making his comeback at Brno a highly anticipated event. Marquez’s comments, which blended camaraderie, competitive spirit, and a touch of intrigue, left fans and pundits alike reeling with excitement and speculation about what this means for the remainder of the season.
Marquez, currently leading the 2025 MotoGP championship with an impressive seven Grand Prix victories and ten sprint race wins in the opening eleven rounds, has been dominating the field on his factory Ducati. His stellar performance has solidified his status as a formidable force, but the absence of key rivals like Martin has left the championship somewhat lopsided. Martin’s injury-plagued season began with a heavy crash during pre-season testing in Sepang, followed by additional setbacks, including a training accident and a crash in Qatar that resulted in eleven broken ribs and a punctured lung. These incidents limited Martin to just one Grand Prix appearance this year, making his return at the Czech Grand Prix a pivotal moment for both the rider and the sport.
In a press conference ahead of the Brno event, Marquez expressed genuine enthusiasm for Martin’s return, stating, “I’m really happy that he’s back. The track hasn’t had many rivals for me, and I think his return can make the races much more exciting.” This candid remark caught many off guard, as Marquez is known for his fierce competitive nature. His acknowledgment of the lack of competition and his excitement for Martin’s comeback hinted at a desire for a more challenging field, sparking discussions among fans about the dynamics of the championship moving forward.
Martin’s journey back to MotoGP has been nothing short of tumultuous. After switching to Aprilia for the 2025 season, the Spaniard faced not only physical challenges but also contractual disputes. Reports surfaced earlier in the season that Martin had considered leaving Aprilia for 2026 by activating a performance clause in his contract, a move the Italian manufacturer blocked due to his limited time on the bike. A pivotal moment came when Marquez sent Martin a text message during his recovery, advising him, “Never make a decision when you are hurt.” This advice, born from Marquez’s own experience with a career-altering injury in 2020, proved instrumental in Martin’s decision to stay with Aprilia, a choice he confirmed at Brno with a renewed sense of focus.
Marquez’s own history with injuries gives his words added weight. The 2020 Jerez crash that broke his humerus and led to multiple surgeries sidelined him for nearly an entire season and tested his resilience. His empathy for Martin’s struggles was evident when he described the reigning champion as a “brother in arms,” emphasizing the shared challenges of MotoGP riders. “Jorge is an opponent, of course, but above all, he’s a rider. A very good rider. And he’s the champion,” Marquez told MotoGP.com. His ability to connect with Martin on a personal level, despite their rivalry, showcased a side of Marquez that fans rarely see, adding depth to his public persona.
The Brno circuit, with its newly resurfaced track, provided the perfect stage for Martin’s comeback. In the Free Practice 1 session, Marquez set the fastest lap time, but Martin’s fifth-place finish in practice signaled his potential to quickly regain his competitive edge. Marquez himself predicted that Martin would be “fast in the second part of the season,” a statement that has fueled anticipation for a potential showdown between the two Spanish riders. Fans, already stunned by Marquez’s candid remarks, are now eagerly awaiting whether Martin can challenge the Ducati star’s dominance.
Marquez’s comments have also sparked broader discussions about the state of MotoGP in 2025. With only two non-Ducati victories this season, the return of a fully fit Martin on the Aprilia could shake up the championship. His determination to overcome adversity and Marquez’s acknowledgment of his potential have set the stage for an electrifying second half of the season. As the Czech Grand Prix unfolds, all eyes will be on Martin to see if he can deliver on the promise Marquez sees in him, making the races not just a battle of speed but a testament to resilience and rivalry.
