Have to be selfish': Marquez defends skipping karting chaos, riders 'stupid' on tyres, Aussie irritated - MotoGP Talking Points

Marc Marquez said he was right to “be selfish” and focus on winning during the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix weekend, after skipping part of a promotional go-kart event for the grid. The race report describes MotoGP organizers holding the kart race in a Mario Kart-style setup for fans, while Marquez was on a physio table at the back of the Ducati garage with treatment on his right shoulder. A body double wearing Marquez’s jacket and helmet took part, and organizers were reportedly unimpressed when the swap became clear. Marquez later said he understands the show but believes races are what matter for the championship; he claimed a sixth podium of the season, all wins, moving within two points of Aprilia’s Jorge Martin. The article also notes Marquez missed two Grands Prix this year for surgery.