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Marc Marquez Urges Safety Upgrades at Sachsenring Before MotoGP Contract Renewal. |
Marc Marquez isn’t holding back when it comes to speaking up about safety at the Sachsenring. After dominating the German Grand Prix again and adding another win to his name, he’s now calling for some serious changes at the iconic track — especially if it’s going to stay on the MotoGP calendar beyond 2026.
The Sachsenring has been a regular stop in MotoGP since 1998, only missing out in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. It’s always one of the most popular races of the season, and last weekend proved that again. The event pulled in over 256 thousand fans throughout the weekend, breaking its own attendance record. So yeah, it’s a big deal.
But despite all the hype and history, Marquez believes the track is starting to show its age — especially when it comes to rider safety. He pointed out that some of the walls are way too close to the track, which becomes a real problem when it rains. In those wet conditions, crashes can get even more dangerous because bikes and riders slide faster and longer on the slick surface, sometimes right into the barriers.
Marquez said the Sachsenring is one of his favorite tracks, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to ignore the risks. Even though there’s decent protection with air fences, it’s still not on the same level as more modern circuits like Qatar, where walls are placed much farther back. He admitted the track organizers are trying to make improvements, but also made it clear that more work needs to be done.
His brother Alex Marquez totally agrees. He mentioned that specific spots like Turn 5 and Turn 8 need adjustments to boost safety. According to him, if the Sachsenring wants to renew its MotoGP deal, making those changes is a must. He’s confident the updates will happen, especially if the contract extension goes through.
Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia also jumped into the conversation. He pointed out that the bikes are getting faster every year, but many old-school tracks like Sachsenring haven’t really evolved to keep up. That creates a safety issue, especially when riders are constantly pushing limits. He brought up how MotoGP is working with the Jerez circuit in Spain to redesign areas and increase the distance between the track and the walls. Pecco believes if the same kind of improvements are applied across other classic tracks, it’ll make the whole sport safer for everyone.
So here’s the thing. MotoGP is getting faster and more intense with each season, and that’s awesome for the fans. But with that speed comes responsibility. Riders are risking a lot out there, and it’s only fair that the tracks evolve along with the sport. Sachsenring is a fan favorite and a place full of racing history, but if it wants to keep its spot in MotoGP, safety upgrades can’t be pushed aside anymore.
Marc and the other riders aren’t just complaining — they’re looking out for everyone’s safety. And honestly, that’s what’s going to keep MotoGP exciting and sustainable in the long run.