Acosta compares Marc Marquez’s comeback to Michael Jordan’s basketball return

Pedro Acosta believes Marc Marquez is on the verge of completing the “biggest comeback” in sporting history, likening it to Michael Jordan’s successful return to the NBA after a stint in baseball.

With 10 grand prix victories and 13 sprint wins in the first 14 race weekends, factory Ducati rider Marquez is closing in on his seventh career title in MotoGP, which would put him level with his old rival, Valentino Rossi.

The Spaniard’s career was under threat when he suffered severe arm injuries in a crash at Jerez in 2020, forcing him to undergo four separate operations over the following years.

But after a long injury layoff and years of struggles on an increasingly uncompetitive Honda, he has returned to the front with Ducati, and can clinch the title as early as this month’s San Marino Grand Prix.

Factory KTM rider Acosta says Marquez’s feats in MotoGP are so remarkable that he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Spain’s sporting icons Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso and Pau Gasol.

“I said already a few weeks ago that it’s clear that Marc will win the championship. In the case that he wins, it will be the biggest comeback of our sport – maybe the history of [all] sports, let’s say,” he said.

“We can compare this with [NBA legend] Michael Jordan, when he went to play baseball and then came back to basketball [and won three more titles]. 

“He will be the first MotoGP rider to be able to sit on this table of Nadal, Alonso and Gasol. I think it will be one of the greatest comebacks of the sport.”

Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin also hailed Marquez’s talent, saying he is helping raise the level of other riders on the grid.

“What Marc did is amazing, his level is incredible,” said the Aprilia rider. “It’s a great example because I always look to the best and most talented riders to improve [myself]. 

“So if the level is always better and better, it’s better for me because I will push my limits forward. Now he is the man to beat and I will try to continue working to close the gap [to him].”

Marquez, who was also present at the same press conference, shook hands with both riders and thanked them for their comments.