Marc Marquez on ‘taking too much risk’ and overcoming pain barrier to achieve greatness after making return at Mugello

Marc Marquez has given a fascinating insight into his relentless drive to be the best in a career that has taken in six MotoGP titles.

The Honda rider knows better than most about the dangers involved in the sport and how the boundaries of safety are frequently pushed to the limit in pursuit of glory.

He also reflected fondly on the recent Italian Grand Prix in Mugello despite crashing in the main race and seeing his podium prospects disappear.

He said: “I’m never scared. Maybe sometimes I’m taking too much risk but I cannot ride a bike worrying about the crashing. It is the only way I know to ride a bike fast.

“It [Mugello] was one of the best weekends in my career. It’s not easy to come back after six weeks and straight away ride a MotoGP bike. I only had the green light from the doctors on the Tuesday and, without training in the proper way, I was still able to be fast. I led the race and I was able to fight for that second position.

“Unfortunately, I crash but only because I was pushing for the podium. It was a mistake but now I need to just find the rhythm of a race again. Once I do that then everything will be easier. But that ambition to race brings me to the top in the past. I hope that brings me back to the top in the future.”

Honda have endured a challenging season with Marquez’s hopes of a seventh world title effectively over due to a 116-point deficit between himself and championship leader Francesco Bagnaia.

Nevertheless, Marquez is backing his team to become competitive again and refuted suggestions of a potential move away from Honda.

“It’s not a secret. We know Honda is in a difficult moment and all their riders are struggling a lot. I hope that together we can improve the project. Now we maybe lose the way a bit and the bike is not competitive. But we will arrive.”

“I have a two-year contract with Honda, so my target is to try to find the best because I’m convinced Honda can do it. Look what they do in Formula One where they [supply] the best engine for Red Bull. So I believe in them.

“I need the target. The target, the title, was there but it is now much more difficult because I was out three races. We show that we are fast in a single lap but now we need to improve the pace and be more consistent during a weekend.”

Marquez still dreams of surpassing Valentino Rossi’s and Giacomo Agostini’s haul of seven and eight world titles respectively, but insists making a full recovery from an injury-plagued past is his first priority.

“Of course, the more world championships you win the better.

“I have six and their seven and eight is better. But my biggest goal is to make this comeback from a big injury. Not many athletes can do this. I’m still in the process but I feel closer and closer. If I can make a successful comeback, it will be even more important than another one or two world championships.”