Jorge Martin says Marc Marquez is still his main rival in the MotoGP title race, despite being sidelined with injury.

The factory Ducati Star suffered a serious injury at Turn 11 on Saturday afternoon, resulting in a broken right leg. Marquez was forced to undergo surgeryHe also stated that he is going to have surgery on his right shoulder.

The French GP followed and happened when the Spaniard flew to Madrid for the process George Martin He reigned victoriously in the district founded on Sarte.

In the year It marked his first Grand Prix victory since his winning campaign in 2024, leaving him just one point clear of the race. Aprilia teammate, Marco BezecchiIn the MotoGP stages.

Although the Italian rider has held the championship lead for most of the season so far, Martin Marquez says he is his real rival in the title landscape.

Jorge Martin says Marc Marquez is ‘still’ his main rival in the 2026 title race.

Speaking to MotoGP journalist Manuel Pessino in the French GP paddock, Martin shared his thoughts on the Marquez incident and his journey to the top of the podium in the title race.

“I believe that mutual respect between drivers takes precedence over any animosity or rivalry,” Martin said. Motosan. “If one day a rider comes to me and asks me for medical advice, I will not hesitate to give it.

“Now I hope Mark comes back as soon as possible. I know he’s going to come back strong because obviously he wasn’t well. And he’s going to come back stronger than ever. I still think he’s my main rival for this world championship fight.”

Is Marc Marquez’s title defense over after Le Mans Sprint injury?

Marquez currently sits 71 points behind championship leader Bezeci in the standings, one more than current deficit Martin.

With the factory Ducati rider also out of the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix, it remains to be seen what the deficit will be when he returns to the premier class.

It was a tough weekend for the Borgo Panigale area. even if Francesco Bagnaia Claiming pole position, the wreck at the Grand Prix left the factory outfit with no points from Sunday’s race. They now sit fifth in the teams’ championship.

George Martin never thought he would compete for the title after injury hell in 2025

Martin’s return to top form in grand prix format last weekend came 588 days before his first Sunday victory at Le Mans since the 2024 Indonesian Grand Prix.

In his words to Pessino after the checkered flag, he was asked if he envisioned himself in this position following a largely hospital bedridden title defense campaign last year.

“No, never,” he replied, before adding, “I’ve always wanted to, but I never thought I’d be in this situation again.

I think the main thing is to work to improve my mood and continue to work because today the mood was not very good. But even so, I believed that I could get rid of my feelings.

“Now I have to keep working to improve my feeling, to feel more comfortable on the Aprilia. After Montmelo there will be an important test, and we are on the right track. We have to continue this way.”