Marc Márquez: Why the MotoGP Star Chose Madrid Over Andorra

While most of his Spanish MotoGP peers have relocated to the principality of Andorra, eight-time world champion Marc Márquez has remained in Spain. Speaking at the 2026 German MotoGP, Márquez explained his unconventional choice: he values specialized medical facilities and a training environment that keeps him competitive on the circuit more than the tax advantages Andorra offers.

Andorra has become a popular base for Spanish riders. Its mountainous terrain provides high-altitude training, and its low-tax regime offers significant financial benefits — similar to why many Formula 1 drivers settle in Monaco. But Márquez, now riding for Ducati Corse, sees things differently.

Why Marc Márquez Skipped Andorra's Tax Benefits

“I understand the people that want to move, they are free to move,” Márquez said on Saturday at the Sachsenring. “But just in my personal opinion, I feel free if I'm living where I want.”

The tax argument doesn't move him. “The fact that I gain a lot [of money], and if I pay the taxes, still I have a lot. So, it's true, this helps, but I feel well in Spain, and I want to live where I feel that can give me the maximum to perform well on the circuit.”

That statement — “I feel free if I'm living where I want” — cuts against the conventional wisdom that top earners in motorsport must optimize their tax situation. Márquez's position is rare among elite athletes, but it's grounded in a practical reality: his post-injury body demands more than a quiet mountain retreat.

Madrid's Medical Edge: How Marc Márquez's Recovery Shaped His Move

Márquez's move to Madrid wasn't about lifestyle or tax planning. It was about recovery and performance. He previously lived in Cervera, a small town in Catalonia, but his needs changed after a serious injury.

“First I lived in Cervera because I was relaxed, I don't need physios, I don't need special machines,” he explained. “Now, since the injury, I need special machines, I need physios, I need different kind of training, and then I move to Madrid because I found there a good team and a good center.”

Madrid offers access to specialized medical facilities and physiotherapy that simply aren't available in Cervera or Andorra. For a rider who has rebuilt his career after multiple surgeries, that access is non-negotiable. It's a reminder that the tech behind an athlete's enduring career often extends beyond the bike or car — it includes the medical infrastructure that keeps them racing.

A Personal Brand Built on Authenticity

Márquez's decision also reflects a broader approach to his personal brand. He hasn't followed the herd. While other riders chase tax efficiency and seclusion, he has chosen visibility and access to top-tier care. That authenticity resonates with fans and sponsors alike.

His choice to stay in Spain — and specifically Madrid — signals that he prioritizes performance over financial optimization. It's a statement that his legacy and his ability to compete at the highest level matter more than maximizing his take-home pay.

This isn't to say Andorra is a bad choice for others. Many riders find the high-altitude training and privacy beneficial. But Márquez's path is his own, and he's unapologetic about it.

What This Means for MotoGP

Márquez's living arrangement is a small window into how elite athletes balance money, health, and career longevity. In a sport where riders routinely move to tax havens, his decision stands out. It also underscores a shift in how riders think about their post-injury careers: the best training center and medical team can matter more than a lower tax bill.

As Márquez continues his title fight with Ducati, his choice of home base may seem like a minor detail. But it's a deliberate, strategic decision that keeps him in the fight. For a rider who has defied expectations before, it's just another way he does things his own way.