JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, Spain — In a candid moment following his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, Marc Márquez offered a humble reflection on his performance, blending gratitude with self-awareness as he continues his return to peak form.
The eight-time MotoGP world champion, riding for Ducati Lenovo Team, addressed reporters after crossing the finish line first at Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto on Saturday, April 26, 2025. His win marked a significant step in his comeback journey after missing much of the 2024 season due to injury.
“Voy rígido, no piloto como me gusta, no disfruto tanto como cuando voy suelto, feliz, mi cuerpo aún no se mueve como toca sobre la moto,” Márquez confessed in Spanish, acknowledging the physical limitations still affecting his riding style. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the emotional weight of the victory.
“Pero victorias como la de este sábado no sé si es un subidón, porque hay que ser prudente, pero sí supone un alegrón para todos, incluido el equipo y todos los que me están ayudando a volver a ser el piloto que ganó el noveno título hace un montón de meses en Motegi (Japón),” he added, referencing his ninth world championship clinched at Twin Ring Motegi in September 2024.
It was in this context that Márquez shared the now-notable phrase that has resonated across Spanish-speaking motorsport circles: “Era Sant Marc, ¿a que sí?, y me echó una mano, eso fue todo.” The expression, blending local Andalusian phrasing with a touch of humor and humility, translates roughly to “It was Saint Marc, right? And he gave me a hand, that’s all.”
The remark quickly drew attention not for its boastfulness, but for its opposite — a rare moment of levity and self-deprecation from a rider often seen as intensely focused and private. Márquez framed the win not as a return to dominance, but as a step forward supported by his team, his faith, and the gradual reintegration of his body with the machine.
His comments came ahead of the Sunday morning warm-up and the main Grand Prix race scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Local time (12:00 p.m. UTC), broadcast on Tele-5 and DAZN. Márquez cautioned that the longer race distance would present a different challenge.
“Así que debemos estar felices aunque, ya te digo, mañana (por hoy, domingo, 14.00 horas, Tele-5 y DAZN), la carrera larga, el GP, va a ser muy distinto. ¡Ojalá no, pero me temo que sí!”, he said, acknowledging the physical demands of a full Grand Prix distance.
The Jerez victory added to Márquez’s growing tally in the 2025 season, following his title-winning campaign in 2024 where he secured seven MotoGP victories en route to his ninth world crown. That achievement placed him alongside Valentino Rossi in the all-time list of MotoGP champions.
According to verified records from his Wikipedia profile, Márquez has won 99 Grand Prix races across all classes, with 73 coming in the premier MotoGP category since his debut in 2013. His success at Jerez is particularly notable, having previously won there in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 during his tenure with Repsol Honda.
Now riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP25, Márquez has adapted to a fresh machine after switching from Honda at the end of 2024. His early-season results have shown flashes of his former brilliance, though consistency remains a work in progress as he manages lingering physical constraints from multiple arm surgeries and a prolonged recovery period.
The atmosphere at Jerez was described by attendees as electric, with Spanish fans filling the grandstands to cheer their homegrown star. Following the checkered flag, Márquez’s celebration included raising his visor, a gesture seen in past victories, and sharing an emotional moment with his Ducati crew.
Team officials have noted that Márquez’s feedback has been instrumental in the bike’s development, particularly in refining rear traction and corner entry stability — areas where his riding style demands precision.
Looking ahead, Márquez remains focused on incremental progress rather than immediate title defense. The next round of the MotoGP Championship is scheduled for Le Mans, France, on May 11, 2025, where he will aim to build on the momentum gained in Andalusia.
For now, the win at Jerez serves as both a personal milestone and a reminder of the resilience that has defined his career. As he put it, with a smile and a shrug: sometimes, all it takes is a little assist — from above, from the team, and from within.
What’s next: Márquez will compete in the French Grand Prix at Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans on May 11, 2025. Fans can follow updates through official MotoGP channels and team communications.
If you have thoughts on Márquez’s comeback or the state of MotoGP in 2025, share them in the comments below.
