MotoGP contender admits he’d be happy finishing second to Marc Marquez in 2026

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Marc Marquez named the four rivals who can win the 2026 MotoGP title in an interview this week. The Ducati rider was untouchable in 2025, sealing the crown with five rounds to spare.

Marquez won’t ‘forget’ the threat posed by Francesco Bagnaia, his Ducati teammate, even though the two-time premier-class champion has lost his way. Tuesday’s post-season test in Valencia will be crucial in correcting Bagnaia’s path.

He also says his brother Alex Marquez ‘has to’ be in contention after a career-best runner-up finish in 2025. Marquez Jr has been rewarded with a factory-spec GP26 for next year.

Finally, the world champion pointed to Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who have arguably been the series’ two form riders in the second half of the season.

Alex Marquez wants to ‘repeat 2025’ on a factory-spec Ducati next year

Speaking to SPORT, however, Alex Marquez suggested he’d be happy to remain in second place next year despite the upgraded equipment.

One could argue that this showcases a lack of ambition, but perhaps his stance is sensible. After all, even on the same bike, an all-time great like Marc may be out of reach.

There’s also a school of thought that Ducati’s GP24 is the best bike in MotoGP, rather than the ’25. In that sense, Alex Marquez may actually suffer from the change in spec, even if it’s a milestone for Gresini.

“I think the team deserved it,” he said. “If there was one team that deserved it more than anyone else, it would be Gresini. The results we’ve achieved this year have helped Ducati to also trust the team and give us this opportunity.

“I hope we can make the most of the GP26 and, I’m not asking for more than this year, repeat 2025. That would already be very good.”

Marc Marquez rates Alex Marquez’s chances of joining Ducati factory team

The title isn’t the only incentive on offer next year. Having climbed up the Ducati hierarchy, A. Marquez is theoretically in contention for a 2027 factory ride.

Bagnaia is attracting interest from Ducati’s rivals, who sense that he may leave the team after a season that has tested their bond.

However, Marc Marquez says he’s unlikely to partner Alex in an official team. They were slated to race together at Honda in 2020 before the former’s injury.

But their 2024 partnership at Gresini may prove to be the last time they share a MotoGP garage. Even if Alex isn’t a serious Ducati contender, he’s free to explore options elsewhere.