Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is meeting his match with Marco Bezzecchi in 2026, with the Aprilia rider winning all three races thus far.
The Ducati rider is in search of his tenth Grand Prix championship this year, but his shoulder injury at the end of 2025 was certain to make that a challenge. That has proved to be the case.
Will Ducati return to form when the season resumes?
Jorge Martin thinks so!
So far, Marquez has one win in 2026, coming in the Sprint race in Brazil. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi has claimed three Grand Prix wins on the spin in Buriram, Goiania and COTA, extending his winning streak to five races.
Fans have likened Bezzecchi to Jorge Lorenzo after he broke the Spaniard’s record of most consecutive laps led after the United States GP. The Aprilia rider has looked unbeatable in recent races, having led the last 121 laps in MotoGP.
Marc Marquez says Marco Bezzecchi is ‘unstoppable’ right now
For Marquez, 2026 has not been so smooth. He is still struggling with his physical condition and is not comfortable on the GP26.
Carlos Checa says ‘something’s wrong’ with Marquez after watching his performance at COTA. He collided with Fabio Di Giannantonio in the Sprint, resulting in a long lap penalty for the Grand Prix, where he finished fifth.
He was eight seconds behind Bezzecchi at the chequered flag. After the race, he admitted that Bezzecchi has made a huge step forward, and no one can get the better of him right now.
He said via Mundo Deportivo: “I hit my right arm hard, that’s why my forearm was so swollen. It didn’t help, it hindered me. Now we have three weeks to continue improving.”
Talking about Bezzecchi, he said: “When a rider has led every lap on Sundays, maybe he’ll still say I’m the favorite, but… Bezzecchi is in incredible form and he’s proving it. Right now, he’s unstoppable.”
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Marc Marquez takes responsibility for difficult start to 2026
Marquez is still waiting for his first Grand Prix podium of the season. With a month’s break in the calendar after Qatar’s cancellation, he has more time to properly recover.
Marquez says ‘it’s me, not the bike’ when talking about his start to the year. He is still clearly struggling with his shoulder injury and is not getting the best from the bike.
When will be the first race that Marc Marquez beats Marco Bezzecchi?
Let us know in the comments!
Neil Hodgson thinks Marquez is ‘desperate’ as the injury persists. He lunged late on Diggia during the Sprint, taking them both out of contention.
With the next race being at Jerez later in April, Ducati and Marquez have time to debrief and recharge before taking the fight to Aprilia. But right now, Bezzecchi will take some beating.
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