Former manager reveals Marquez's secret weapon: "This is what makes him great"

The 52-year-old Emilio Alzamora discovered and followed Marc Marquez for a full 18 years. He oversaw his development, commercial interests, and relationships with sponsors. Starting from the 2022 MotoGP season, during a complicated period with Honda, the Cervera superstar decided to end the partnership with the former rider and place his trust in Jaime Martinez. But Alzamora has never harbored resentment over this split and openly shows his joy at seeing him world champion again.

Emilio met Marc Marquez when he was 12 years old, "you could already tell he had a very clear idea of what he wanted to achieve from a young age." He had talent in his DNA; it was already evident he would become a star on two wheels. Not surprisingly, he has won nine world titles, seven in MotoGP, and he’s the heavy favorite for the 2026 season as well. Credit also goes to a Ducati that, for now, remains the best bike on the grid. "At this moment, the reality is that Marc has a combination, a partnership, that is unbeatable," Emilio Alzamora told AS. "Ducati is proving to be a super competitive bike... But this in no way diminishes Marc’s merit, because it’s crystal clear that Marc makes the difference as a rider."

The former manager lived through Marquez’s toughest moments: the injury at Jerez in 2020, the broken humerus, the various surgeries, two cases of diplopia... "Diplopia and, above all, the humerus fracture were very tough moments," Alzamora continues. "Clearly, you need a bit of luck and a magic wand to avoid them. But we’re talking about an incredibly tenacious rider who overcomes all the misfortunes and injuries he’s had. Ultimately, that’s what makes Marc even greater."

Not just tenacity, but also courage in making choices. These are the standout ingredients of the MotoGP ace. Like the decision to leave Honda—and give up a super contract—to move first to Gresini and then to Ducati. A gamble that rewarded him with the world title. Now Marc Marquez’s first rival is himself. "I think he’s fighting against his own target, which is to win a World Championship, win it again, and keep doing so," concludes the former manager. "It’s very difficult to maintain this pace if you don’t have something to dream about. And I think winning is undoubtedly his dream."