P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Marquez believes he has earned the title-favourite status he will get in 2026
Alex Marquez expressed his appreciation for being considered a title contender in MotoGP 2026 due to his strong performance this season. He has achieved his best season in the premier class, finishing second in the standings with three wins and two sprints for Gresini Ducati. Having been the top-performing Ducati rider behind Marc Marquez, he will ride a factory-spec Desmosedici next year. Despite evolving expectations towards podium finishes, Marquez views this as a positive shift that positions him as a favorite for the 2026 title. His increased motivation stems from the absence of his brother Marc Marquez, driving him to become the leading rider on the grid.
