Marc Marquez may not have finished the first MotoGP test in Sepang as the fastest rider, but his championship chances look stronger. On the back of 2025’s underwhelming success, it was always likely to be a hit.
Fourth fastest in time attack, Marquez was overtaken by brother Alex and teammate Francesco Bagnaia. In race simulations. But he said he feels as good as he did a year ago.
MarquezBack on a MotoGP bike for the first time since an injury at the Indonesia GP in October, he knows he needs to be at his peak when necessary.
above all, Ducati looks like an empire in Malaysia. The bike’s handling impressed onlookers, its numbers intimidated rivals and rider feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Will Alex Rins back Marco Bezecchi to win the MotoGP World Championship?
Arguably, Marquez’s biggest concerns this year sit outside of Ducati’s stable. Even Alex Marquez’s excellent MotoGP season wasn’t enough to threaten the marque in a meaningful way, and Bagnaia isn’t seen as a serious contender after finishing 257 points clear.
But Aprilia and Marco Bezecchi They are a legitimate dark horse. In the year They finished with six wins, including the 2025 sprints, and were the most impressive combination after the summer break, albeit helped by Marquez’s injury.
At this stage, the competitiveness of the RS-GP26 is unknown. But Bezeci, who doubled his career chances last year, looks ready to take the next step.
he asked The official channel of MotoGP Ahead of the new season, Yamaha rider Alex Rins responded to a ‘hot’ season introduction: “A different world champion? Bezeci could be there.”
Half brother of Valentino Rossi last year Only Luca Marini did not pick Marquez. To win the title.
Is George Martin one of seven different winners? What were the other riders of 2026?
Elsewhere, Bezecic’s team-mate George Martin has predicted a ‘winning return’ in 2026. For the first time in his career, Martin has been without a podium for an entire year due to injury.
Pramac’s Jack Miller can already see seven different riders who won last year. LCR’s Johan Zarco believes he can repeat his memorable French GP victory.
Turning to the rider market, Alex Marquez reckons ‘60%’ of the grid will be decided before the start of the season in Thailand at the end of the month. As of this writing, there have been no new announcements this year, despite the buzz.
