Marc Marquez feeling "uncomfortable and inconsistent" after Dutch GP sprint: "I cannot do more

Marc Marquez said he cannot bring his best form to Assen after a “survival”-type Dutch Grand Prix sprint, where he finished seventh and felt “uncomfortable and inconsistent.” The factory Ducati rider crossed the line seventh over the half-distance and was beaten by four Aprilias, as well as other GP26 bikes from Fabio di Giannantonio and Francesco Bagnaia. He was later promoted to sixth when Bagnaia was docked a place for leaving the track on the final lap, but Marquez said he remained slower during their mid-race fight. Speaking after the sprint, the 33-year-old explained he is riding in safe mode because he cannot push as direction changes demand maximum force. He recalled a Friday crash and said gravel is painful. He expects difficult results in 2026, framing eighth or even 10th as success at some circuits.