Marc Marquez will be the clear favorite for the 2026 MotoGP title, but may face closer competition than last year.
In the year In 2025, no one came close to the Spaniard, who won 25 races during the year, including the Sprints. Marquez He missed the last four rounds of the year with an injury in an accident in Indonesia, but finished the title in Japan.
The 32-year-old returned to MotoGP action at the Sepang pre-season test, focusing on his winter break to recover. Marquez admits that he is stubborn on the bike And he wasn’t ready to go right away, but he still added time sheets on the first day.
Heading into the Buriram test and the first race of the season in March, many still expect Marquez to lead the pack and win an eighth MotoGP title. But after the injury, the field is getting closer and could be in for a tough battle.
Loris Capirossi has named Marco Bezecic and Francesco Bagnaia as Marc Marquez’s 2026 title challengers.
Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia lead the racing simulations Before Marc Marquez at Sepang. The duo looks stronger on the GP26, which looks more comfortable to drive than before.
In addition to that, Aprilia They closed the gap on the Ducati in front, Marco Bezecchi In the year By the end of 2025, it is leading the manufacturer to regular race wins and top positions.
Many expect the Italian to challenge Marquez in 2026 and the former champion. Ducati Rider Loris Capirossi is among them. Speaking through GPONHe named Bezecic and Bagnayan as rivals for Cervera’s ant.
Asked to pick his 2026 favourites, he said: “I’ll always say him… (Marquez) and I’ll also add Bezecic and Pecon. Let’s hope there’s a good team up front.”
Read more: Everything you need to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to seed number
Loris Capirossi has revealed how Marc Marquez was ‘instant’ at the Sepang test.
Jorge Lorenzo was surprised by the speed of Marquez In Malaysia, the shoulder is still not 100% healed. But Capirossi wasn’t too surprised to see the Spaniard so fast on the straight.
Even after not having ridden one since Mandalica four months ago, Marquez said he could ‘rediscover’ the feeling of a MotoGP bike almost immediately.
“There’s no question about his ability,” Capirossi said. “We know who Marc is. Then the combination with Ducati is a winner, the bike is perfect, and he is a great champion.
“So he was quick immediately, even though he hadn’t ridden a MotoGP bike for four months. After many years of riding a MotoGP bike, you get the feeling straight away.”
“Especially at Sepang, it’s great to drive. I really like it. I’ve won a few races here as well. It’s a smooth and fast track. It’s a joy.”
