P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez’s failure to make it directly into Q2 on Friday at the MotoGP French Grand Prix grabbed headlines. But, as his stablemates show, a trip through Q1 is looking the least of his problems as his 2026 rut continues at Le Mans…
Marc Marquez and Ducati are facing challenges in the 2026 season, with Marquez currently trailing by 66 points compared to the previous year. Despite some impressive performances, such as a win in Brazil, Marquez has been struggling with consistency, partly due to his shoulder injury recovery.
The recent crash in Spain has increased pressure on Marquez, who is now 44 points behind the championship leader. The upcoming French Grand Prix marks a crucial period for Marquez to turn his season around, with seven rounds scheduled in the next 10 weekends.
Ducati showed improvements during the Jerez test, hinting at their competitiveness against Aprilia. Marquez’s potential shift to the 2025-spec aero package suggests progress, but his performance in Practice at Le Mans was below expectations.
While Ducati demonstrated strong performance at Le Mans, Marquez acknowledges that he still needs to improve personally to match the capabilities of his bike. Despite the challenges, Marquez remains determined to work towards returning to his top form after his injury.
