Summary
- Márquez trails Jorge Martín by 12 points before the Japanese GP.
- The Ducati rider considers his dominant 2025 campaign an exception.
- Qualifying and consistent podium contention are central to his approach at Motegi.
Marc Márquez says the closely contested 2026 MotoGP championship represents a normal title fight, contrasting it with the commanding advantage he carried into last year’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The Ducati rider returns to Motegi in second place, 12 points behind Jorge Martín, rather than with an opportunity to wrap up the championship early. In 2025, Márquez arrived with a 182-point advantage over his brother Álex and secured the title with five rounds remaining.
Speaking to reporters at Motegi on Thursday, Márquez described last season’s circumstances as exceptional.
“This year is a normal championship. Last year, it wasn’t normal to arrive at Motegi with such a big advantage,” Márquez said.
Márquez focuses on staying in the title fight
The defending champion’s priority is to remain competitive throughout the remaining races. Martín leads the standings with 306 points, followed by Márquez on 294 and Marco Bezzecchi on 264, leaving both factory Aprilia riders firmly involved in the contest.
“Things are going differently, but the only important thing is that I’m in the title race for another year,” he explained.
That assessment reflects the changing balance between the manufacturers. Márquez identified the four Aprilias and Pedro Acosta as particularly competitive, with qualifying near the front and fighting for podiums essential to his championship challenge.
The wider picture is explored in GRANDE PRÊMIO’s analysis of what is at stake as Martín leads MotoGP into Motegi.
Positive feelings at Motegi, but no easy weekend
Márquez has good memories of the Japanese circuit, where he clinched his premier-class titles in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2025. Those achievements give him confidence, although he expects a demanding weekend.
“I have good feelings arriving at Motegi. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy,” he said.
His preparations also include addressing the difficulties experienced in Austria. Márquez finished fifth at the Red Bull Ring after a brake problem brought him close to retirement, while Ducati struggled with the reinforced rear-tyre construction.
The brake issue has been identified, giving him confidence that it should not recur at Motegi, where heavy braking is a defining feature. Tyres remain another consideration following the circuit’s resurfacing.
Márquez is taking the championship race by race, with reaching Q2 his first objective in Japan. Rather than planning around a repeat of last year’s dominance, he is preparing to attack while assessing his competitiveness at each event.
Fans can consult the complete Japanese MotoGP schedule, including Sprint and race start times.
MotoGP returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, in Japan. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Motegi.
MotoGP today: FAQ
What time does Japanese MotoGP practice start?
FP1 begins on Friday, 2 October, at 10:45 in Japan, 02:45 BST in the UK, 07:15 IST in India and 11:45 AEST in Sydney and Melbourne. In North America, it starts on Thursday at 21:45 EDT in New York and Toronto, or 18:45 PDT in Los Angeles and Vancouver. Friday’s session deciding direct Q2 entry begins at 15:00 in Japan.
Is Red Bull returning to Honda in MotoGP?
Yes. Honda has confirmed that Red Bull will return as a partner of its factory MotoGP programme from 2027. Their previous partnership ran from 2015 to 2023. The reunion coincides with Fabio Quartararo’s arrival and the championship’s switch to 850cc bikes.
Is Maverick Viñales racing at the Japanese MotoGP?
Yes. Viñales is returning at Motegi after an absence caused by his shoulder injury. Ahead of the weekend, he questioned KTM’s intentions towards him and revealed that he had thought he might not race again this season.
How far behind Jorge Martín is Marc Márquez?
Márquez trails Martín by 12 points heading into the Japanese Grand Prix.
