Marc Marquez’s 2026 MotoGP campaign has started in a different light to his dominant display last year, and while the Spaniard says “it’s not the bike, it’s me”, he identifies the biggest issues facing the Ducati GP26 at the moment.
Having started last year’s season by winning five out of six races in the first three race weekends, a victory in the Brazilian GP Sprint race is currently the only way to reach the top of the podium. Mark Marquez So far he has done it in 2026.
Very recent United States GP In the year It is expected to be a true mark for the reigning world champion in 2026.
Will Ducati return to form as the season continues?
George Martin thinks!
The American circuit is statistically Marquez’s best circuit. on the calendar, but failed to come away from Austin with anything to show for it after crashing out of the sprint and securing a P5 finish in the Grand Prix.
Marc Marquez ‘It’s not the bike, it’s me,’ he admitted after another podiumless Grand Prix in 2026.
In an interview with MotoGP journalist Manuel Pessino MotosanMarquez gave a candid assessment of his form at the start of the 2026 campaign.
For fans watching his progress in the American circuit, his fight with him Ine Bastianini It was one of the most exciting examples of wheel-to-wheel racing of the weekend.
However, when asked if he enjoyed being world champion, he replied: “Not really, I enjoy fighting more for victory.”
But it was good at first, and by the end I felt as good and good as ever. But now we have three weeks to try and improve on the first few rounds.
“The first few laps, when the tires are new, the bike is more aggressive, and then I can’t ride it.”
Will the MotoGP riders fight more against Marc Marquez?
The champion was talking about his battle with Innea Bastianini in Austin.
Marquez was then asked about the issues he is facing when competing Ducati GP26 asserts, “I’m me, not the bike.”
He continued: “I really need to understand how to improve the first few laps. I don’t feel comfortable on the bike.”
“It seems that I’m used to a position, not a natural position on the bike, and then I’m just moving. I’m still fast, but I can’t make a difference.”
Jorge Martin thinks that Marc Marquez will return to normal in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix
Márquez’s title defense campaign has been filled with recovery and rehabilitation after the winter break. The Spanish He broke his neck in the closing stages of 2025 and found it difficult to recover quickly.
MotoGP researcher Neil Hodgson saw the signs. Marquez is still not at the peak of his physical condition Following last year’s failure, the results are confirming this.
However, George Martin is confident that it is only a matter of time before the seven-time premier class world champion returns to the front and causes problems for his rivals.
Following a highly successful United States GP for the 2024 title, Martin predicted that Ducati and Marquez will “return to normal”. In the next round of competition.
Receive competition news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
