P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez believes MotoGP 2026 will provide a major challenge for him
Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez anticipates a “very intense” 2026 season, identifying the riders he sees as the biggest threats. The 32-year-old Spaniard, champion for the first time since 2020, dominated the 2025 campaign for Ducati, winning 11 grands prix and 14 sprints. He now shares the premier class title record with Valentino Rossi and aims to surpass Giacomo Agostini’s record of eight titles. Marquez heads into the final 1000cc formula season as the favorite but remains cautious, acknowledging the tough competition, including Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, and Pecco Bagnaia. Ducati faces a stronger Aprilia threat in 2026 after the rival Italian brand’s successful 2025 season, with Marquez recovering well from a shoulder injury sustained in the Indonesian Grand Prix.
