Alex Marquez on the riders’ union: “I won’t benefit from it any more”

“We’ve got no power.” Alex Márquez sums up what a number of MotoGP riders have been saying repeatedly in recent weeks, in one form or another. The MotoGP event in Qatar, scheduled to take place immediately after the race weekend in Malaysia, has recently acted as a catalyst for a renewed attempt by the riders to form a union. At present, individual riders have little influence over relevant decisions, such as the forthcoming one regarding the staging of the race weekend in a military crisis zone.

Due to the political turmoil in the Middle East resulting from the war with Iran, holding the MotoGP event at the Lusail International Circuit is considered risky. However, the riders have recently lacked the influence to oppose this. The MotoGP promoters have their contracts with the teams, and the teams, in turn, exert pressure on the riders. At a press conference in Malaysia, the Gresini rider spoke about the mood amongst the riders, remarking: “We’re pulling together more than we have in the past. Many of the riders share the same view on the matter. Perhaps not all of them, but most.”

MotoGP riders’ union remains a project for the future

The man with the number 73 is well aware that the ‘riders’ union’ project is a long-term one: “I’m 30 years old now and probably won’t benefit greatly from it myself, but for the young riders who are joining us in the series now, I’d be delighted if we could make it happen.”

The Catalan confirmed that this isn’t the first attempt to set up a riders’ union: “We tried this a few years ago. Back then, the atmosphere amongst us riders was a bit strange. But given recent events, I believe everyone in the field has realised that we need the union.”

According to Marquez, the current situation regarding the race weekend in Malaysia remains unchanged: “Nothing has changed. The event is currently confirmed.” Just four days after the chequered flag falls at Sepang, the first sessions are scheduled to take place at the Lusail International Circuit.

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30.10.2026 - 01:55

Alex Marquez stand 2025 in Sepang ganz oben

Foto: Gold and Goose

From a sporting perspective, there was nothing to report regarding the Malaysian Grand Prix. Not yet, at least – because Alex Márquez not only won at Sepang last autumn, but the Gresini rider also set the fastest time of 1:56.4 at the major 2026 winter test. ‘AM73’ could therefore be both a supporter and a points-stealer for his brother and championship leader Marc Marquez.