Marc Marquez added a new movement to his preparation for the Japanese MotoGP Sprint: shortly before the start at Motegi, he performed push-ups on the grid. The exercise had not previously been part of this routine and had a clear racing purpose. The Ducati Lenovo Team rider wanted to activate his muscles and be as ready as possible from the opening metres of the race.

Marquez said he is continually adjusting the way he prepares. His aim is to understand what his body needs at each moment so that he can perform better from the beginning of a race. The push-up idea came from Marquez himself, rather than from his physiotherapists or another member of his personal team. He acknowledged that he has a very good group around him, but after many years of racing he believes he is the person best placed to recognise what his own body requires.

The first racing result after the change was emphatic. Marquez took the holeshot, remained in front on every lap and won the Sprint. His gap to Jorge Martin stood at seven points afterwards, while Marquez was set to start the following day’s race from second on the grid as he looked to close further on his rival in the standings. Motegi has now hosted three premier-class victories for Marquez, although his most recent win at the circuit came in 2019.