Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi has responded to Jorge Lorenzo’s verdict that the 2026 MotoGP title is already the Aprilia rider’s to lose following his hot start to the campaign.
With the French Grand Prix next up on the calendar, Marco Bezzecchi enters the race weekend at Le Mans with an 11-point lead over his Aprilia counterpart, Jorge Martin, in the MotoGP standings.
Massimo Rivola thinks Marco Bezzecchi will be ‘scary’ once he stops crashing in Sprint Races – Is that his only flaw?
The Italian rider started the term off with three consecutive wins in the Grand Prix format before Alex Marquez dominated the proceedings in Jerez, but Bezzecchi’s P2 at the Spanish Grand Prix was still a big haul of points for his championship challenge.
He has been warned by VR46 boss, Pablo Nieto, that Marc Marquez is still the favourite for the premier class title this year. However, Jorge Lorenzo has shared a differing opinion, one that has solicited a response from Bezzecchi.
- READ MORE: Danilo Petrucci ‘pleased’ with the change he’s seen in Marco Bezzecchi amid Marc Marquez title fight
Marco Bezzecchi responds to Jorge Lorenzo’s title race comments
In a recent episode of the Duralavita podcast, Lorenzo offered his thoughts on the title race that is beginning to take shape in MotoGP this year.
The three-time premier class title-winner told his colleagues on the podcast, “We have only raced 4 Grands Prix, but for me this year, only Bezzecchi can lose the title.”
It was quite the statement from Lorenzo, who had previously detailed how he thought Pedro Acosta would be the next rider on the MotoGP grid to challenge Marc Marquez’s crown.
Can Marco Bezzecchi overcome Jorge Martin at Aprilia in the MotoGP title race this season?
During Bezzecchi’s Thursday afternoon media duties ahead of the upcoming French Grand Prix, he was asked about Lorenzo’s comments last week.
“His comment is similar to those of you journalists,” Bezzecchi jokingly began, via GPOne. “Of course, I’m pleased because Jorge is one of the strongest riders ever in MotoGP.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet him, talk to him, and even ride with him at [Valentino Rossi’s] ranch. So I’m pleased he thinks so, but it’s still very early.
“It doesn’t make sense for me to think about these things right now. I have to try to focus and do a good job on the track.”
Bezzecchi was then asked how difficult it has been to manage the pressure of being a title candidate so early into the season. He replied, “The pressure off the track, or going fast on the track? The latter is definitely more difficult.”
- READ MORE: What Marc Marquez is telling his Ducati colleagues about Marco Bezzecchi amid MotoGP title fight
Marco Bezzecchi’s composure in a MotoGP title fight has been called into question
It’s no secret that the pressure surrounding the first few opening rounds of a new season is of stark contrast to what riders experience in the final stages of a campaign, especially when a title is on the line.
The 2026 term marks Bezzecchi’s fifth year in the premier class, and, so far, the current season marks his first time being considered as a title candidate from the very start.
As such, MotoGP pundit Sylvain Guintoli has raised concerns over whether Bezzecchi will be able to handle the pressure that comes with competing in a championship battle.
The Frenchman identified how Marquez’s vast experience in securing championships is unlike anything that the Aprilia rider has done in the premier class so far, and so it will be fascinating to see how it plays out if the title chooses to be decided in the final few rounds.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
