Marc Marquez on the MotoGP cancellation: “The conditions were acceptable”

No MotoGP race, no chance of further World Championship points: Marc Marquez regrets the farewell to Phillip Island. The circuit brought him great victories – and, in 2013, a memorable slip-up.

Sebastian Fränzschky

MotoGP

25.10.2026 - 13:21

This article is an automatically generated English version. The Original Article was published in German.

Marquez hatte sich seinen Abschied von Phillip Island anders vorgestellt
© Gold & Goose

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Marc Márquez

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Marc Márquez’s last MotoGP appearance at Phillip Island ended with a sprint victory and a missed opportunity in the title race. Following the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, the Ducati factory rider was unable to further extend his lead over the injured Jorge Martin. He heads to Malaysia on 365 points, with Martin on 355 and Marco Bezzecchi on 315.

From a sporting perspective, Marquez could have benefited on Sunday: Martin had already been declared unfit to race following a serious crash in the sprint race, which left him with a forearm injury. In his reaction to the cancellation, however, the defending champion focused on the disappointment felt by the spectators.

A wet race was possible, but not without a rescue helicopter

“Of course, I feel sorry for all the fans at Phillip Island. Phillip Island doesn’t deserve to have the final race cancelled,” explained Marquez. Instead of a final Grand Prix, the fans were only treated to a joint farewell lap by the riders behind the safety car.

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Showrunde statt Grand Prix: Der Australien-GP fiel ins Wasser
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The Spaniard generally considered the track conditions to be rideable. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the crucial safety concern: due to restricted visibility, the rescue helicopter was unable to operate.

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“The conditions were acceptable, but the rescue helicopter couldn’t fly. For safety reasons, everything was cancelled. We riders were ready, but we couldn’t race. Thanks to all the fans who support MotoGP,” emphasised the Ducati rider.

Marquez experienced highs and lows at Phillip Island

For Márquez, this brings to an end the Grand Prix history of a circuit that has helped shape his career. As far back as 2010, he won at Phillip Island in the 125cc World Championship on a Derbi. In the premier class, victories followed in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024. The fast circuit repeatedly provided the stage for races that were remembered long after the respective Sundays had passed.

However, this also includes one of his most famous mistakes. In 2013, the race had to be shortened due to concerns about tyre durability on the new tarmac. In addition, a bike change was mandatory: riders were not allowed to complete more than ten laps on a single set of tyres. Márquez stayed out one lap too long and only returned to the pits after the eleventh lap. The result was a black flag – disqualification instead of vital points in his first MotoGP season.

Phillip Island 2013: Marc Marquez kam zu spät zum Reifenwechsel
© Gold & Goose

Later on, the successes outweighed the setbacks. In 2019, Márquez prevailed in a thrilling duel with Maverick Viñales. He took the lead at the start of the final lap, whilst Viñales crashed whilst trying to stay in contention. For Márquez, it was also his 55th victory on a Honda in the premier class. In doing so, he surpassed Mick Doohan’s record.

His most recent Grand Prix victory to date at Phillip Island also had an unusual backstory. In 2024, at the start, a visor sticker he had peeled off got caught under the rear tyre of his Gresini Ducati. Márquez lost several positions but fought his way back up the field and eventually beat Jorge Martín in the battle for victory.

Phillip Island 2024: Marc Marquez fährt über sein Abreißvisier
© Gold & Goose

In 2026, he managed another successful outing, at least on Saturday. After securing a commanding pole position in wet conditions, he won the sprint ahead of his brother Alex and Fabio di Giannantonio. He took the lead in the World Championship. The weather on Sunday meant he was unable to make one last attempt to add to his Grand Prix win tally on the island.

“I have great memories here. My pole lap yesterday went really well. Phillip Island will always be one of my favourite circuits,” explained Marquez.

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