Marco Bezzecchi
Giacomo Agostini has tipped Marc Marquez to return to form at the Spanish Grand Prix after a tough start to the 2026 MotoGP season.
The defending champion has been struggling on the GP26, with Aprilia having taken a huge step forward in 2026. Marquez has not been riding at 100% as he continues to suffer the effects of his shoulder injury in 2025.
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Claudio Domenicali says Marquez’s struggles are down to a lack of pre-season, as his injury setback limited his adaptation to the new bike. Thus far, he has not grabbed a Grand Prix podium in 2026, sitting fifth in the standings.
Aprilia have won every race through Marco Bezzecchi, with Fabio Di Giannantonio being Ducati’s top rider ahead of the Spaniard. Marquez admitted Bezzecchi is ‘unstoppable’ at the moment, but Agostini thinks he could mount a challenge on home soil.
Giacomo Agostini thinks Marc Marquez’s ‘real’ championship starts at Jerez
Ducati have offered little competition for Aprilia this year, with the manufacturer having no riders on the grid in two of the three Grands Prix so far. But after a month away recovering, the Spanish Grand Prix could mark a turning point.
Many believe that the European season will be the ultimate litmus test for Aprilia and whether they can maintain their dominance, but also for Marquez and Ducati, and whether they can return to the front.
Agostini is backing the Spaniard to do just that, as he anticipates he will be fighting for a podium or even the win at Jerez.
He told MARCA: “Unfortunately, at the end of last year, he was hit by another rider, which meant he started the season less prepared than the rest.
“That’s why I think the real World Championship begins on Sunday in Jerez. Therefore, I expect to see Marc Márquez fighting with the others for the podium and the victory.”
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Giacomo Agostini issues ‘very strong’ verdict on Marco Bezzecchi ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
Marquez will not have it easy, however, as Bezzecchi has looked like a real force in 2026 on the RS-GP. Massimo Rivola says Aprilia have not faced the ‘real’ Marquez yet, and Jerez should be that first proper test.
Agostini is hoping for good racing between the pair, but he has not shied away from the fact that Bezzecchi is on top of his game right now.
He added: “That’s true. Marc is the man to beat because he’s the champion, but it’s also true that, right now, Bezzecchi and the Aprilia are very strong.
“As I said before, I think the World Championship will really kick off here. All the riders have already trained; I hope they’re all in good form, so we’ll see. Let’s hope the best rider wins. There are several who can fight for the victory; let’s wait and see what happens in this race.”
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