Marc Marquez emerges as leading voice against Qatar Grand Prix'

Marc Márquez is reportedly emerging as a leading figure pushing back against participating in the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for a week from now. While riders were in Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, multiple reports said secret meetings among MotoGP’s 22 riders continued, following similar get-togethers in Indonesia and Australia, with details spilling into the paddock—including from Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi. Spanish outlet MotoSan claims Márquez is “challenging MotoGP,” pointing to the nine-time champion’s influence and his contention for the title as factors behind a possible decision to skip Qatar. MotoSan and GPOne describe efforts aimed at turning public sympathy into a united stance, potentially refusing to race. Márquez himself has refused to comment publicly, saying “When I can’t say what I think, I don’t want to talk” during a press conference and in an AS interview. Team manager Alessio ‘Uccio’ Salucci said at least one rider has already decided not to travel.