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- M\u00e1rquez trails Jorge Mart\u00edn by 12 points before the Japanese GP.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Ducati rider considers his dominant 2025 campaign an exception.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Qualifying and consistent podium contention are central to his approach at Motegi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Marc M\u00e1rquez says the closely contested 2026 MotoGP<\/a> championship represents a normal title fight<\/strong>, contrasting it with the commanding advantage he carried into last year\u2019s Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ducati rider returns to Motegi in second place, 12 points behind Jorge Mart\u00edn<\/strong>, rather than with an opportunity to wrap up the championship early. In 2025, M\u00e1rquez arrived with a 182-point advantage over his brother \u00c1lex and secured the title with five rounds remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to reporters at Motegi on Thursday, M\u00e1rquez described last season\u2019s circumstances as exceptional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis year is a normal championship. Last year, it wasn\u2019t normal to arrive at Motegi with such a big advantage,\u201d M\u00e1rquez said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Marc_Marquez-3-1024x683.jpeg\")
Marc M\u00e1rquez (Photo: Ducati)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n M\u00e1rquez focuses on staying in the title fight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The defending champion\u2019s priority is to remain competitive throughout the remaining races. Mart\u00edn leads the standings with 306 points, followed by M\u00e1rquez on 294 and Marco Bezzecchi on 264, leaving both factory Aprilia riders firmly involved in the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThings are going differently, but the only important thing is that I\u2019m in the title race for another year,\u201d he explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That assessment reflects the changing balance between the manufacturers. M\u00e1rquez identified the four Aprilias and Pedro Acosta as particularly competitive, with qualifying near the front and fighting for podiums<\/strong> essential to his championship challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wider picture is explored in GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong>\u2019s analysis of what is at stake as Mart\u00edn leads MotoGP into Motegi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Positive feelings at Motegi, but no easy weekend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
M\u00e1rquez 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have good feelings arriving at Motegi. But that doesn\u2019t mean it will be easy,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
His preparations also include addressing the difficulties experienced in Austria. M\u00e1rquez 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The brake issue has been identified<\/strong>, giving him confidence that it should not recur at Motegi, where heavy braking is a defining feature. Tyres remain another consideration following the circuit\u2019s resurfacing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
M\u00e1rquez is taking the championship race by race, with reaching Q2 his first objective in Japan. Rather than planning around a repeat of last year\u2019s dominance, he is preparing to attack while assessing his competitiveness at each event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fans can consult the complete Japanese MotoGP schedule, including Sprint and race start times<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MotoGP returns this weekend, from 2\u20134 October, in Japan. GRANDE PR\u00caMIO will cover all the action at Motegi.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
MotoGP today: FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who was fastest in Japanese MotoGP practice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u00c1lex M\u00e1rquez topped Friday\u2019s Practice at Motegi with a 1:42.811, beating Pedro Acosta by 0.076s. Marc M\u00e1rquez finished third, while championship leader Jorge Mart\u00edn was eighth. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What time is Japanese MotoGP qualifying?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n