W
as this the weekend in which
the 2026 championship
fight died? A glance at the
standings leaving San Marino might
call that statement into question. For
a start, Marc Marquez (Lenovo Ducati)
has only drawn level with Jorge Martin
(Aprilia Racing) at the summit, with
third place 33 points away.
But Marquez passed this tricky
assignment with flying colors.
Not only did the reigning champ
score a maximum 37 points for
the fourth time over the past seven
rounds, dominating the Sprint and
holding Alex Marquez (Gresini
Ducati) at arm's length on Sunday;
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing)
spectacularly came apart, crashing
out of the lead on the first lap when
the toughest part of the race—
beating Marquez into the first turn—
was already done.
Aprilia's misery deepened when
surprise leader Martin slowed with
arm pump, casting doubt on his
fitness for the challenges in the
weeks ahead.
ROUND 14 / SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2026
MISANO WORLD CIRCUIT MARCO SIMONCELLI
ROAD RACE I FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
P78
BY NEIL MORRISON • PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE
