We are down to the final three grands prix of 2026, and the championship fight arrives at the floodlit Lusail International Circuit for the first match point of the season. Marc Marquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team sits in the box seat, but the math is specific: he needs to outscore his chief title rival Jorge Martin of Aprilia Racing by 30 points, alongside outscoring his teammate Marco Bezzecchi by 8 points, if he wants to leave Qatar clutching the Tower of Champions. Naturally, the man himself is keeping a cool head about the situation, noting that while there are only three grands prix left, there are still many moments to unfold.
Going after title number eight might look like a straightforward formality for a rider of his stature, but the reality of this season has been anything but simple. It has been a campaign of dramatic highs and lows for the #93 machine as he aims to retain his crown, a journey highlighted by Ducati Lenovo team manager Davide Tardozzi and his perspective on maintaining the belief that the title remained within reach.
Over in the Aprilia Racing garage, the fight is far from over. Jorge Martin, the 2024 World Champion, still believes in his championship chances, though his weekend faces an immediate hurdle when he undergoes a medical check on Friday to determine if he is fit enough to ruffle feathers on the track.
Thursday evening put both Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi centre stage in the press conference, mirroring their shared spotlight from Malaysia, while the rest of the MotoGP grid weighed in on whether the championship will genuinely be wrapped up under the desert lights this weekend.
Meanwhile, the paddock sees a notable return as WorldSBK star and seven-time Moto2 grand prix winner Jake Dixon steps back into MotoGP action with Honda. He replaces 2020 World Champion Joan Mir at Lusail, marking his first appearance in the premier class in five years.
MotoGP
