ALEX MARQUEZ WARNS MARC WILL NEED HIS TRICKS AT APRILIA-FAVOURED TRACKS

Marc Marquez heads into the final five rounds of the 2026 MotoGP season just two points behind championship leader Jorge Martin, after the Indonesian Grand Prix left the title contest finely balanced. Mandalika has been a difficult circuit for Marquez and Ducati, but he took victory in the sprint and finished sixth in the grand prix, 10.7 seconds behind winner Marco Bezzecchi. Aprilia swept the top four. Martin placed fourth and third, respectively, leaving the pair level on 22 points across the weekend.

Alex Marquez believes his older brother emerged from Indonesia with his title hopes intact, despite the challenge. “He saved it, without a doubt,” the Gresini rider said. “I wouldn’t call it a victory, but he came out alive from a difficult circuit for him; a draw, 22 points each.”

The remaining calendar includes Phillip Island, Sepang, Lusail, Portimao and Valencia. Marc has won at four of those venues; Portimao is the only one where he has yet to claim victory. Alex expects Aprilia to be especially competitive at Australia, Qatar and Portugal, meaning Marc will need to produce his “juggling act” at those rounds.

“The title fight will be very open, even though we’re now getting to circuits like Australia, Qatar and Portimao, especially where the Aprilia can do very well,” Alex said. “Marc will have to pull off those tricks of his.”

Martin’s Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi is third in the standings, 46 points behind with five rounds remaining. Aprilia has four riders capable of fighting for wins and has discussed the possibility of team orders to support Martin, although the team intends to wait before making a decision.

Alex expects Ducati could also consider coordinating its riders as the championship develops, but says the moment has not arrived. “It’s clear that Aprilia has quite clear ideas; they want the title, and they’re talking to all the riders,” he said. “So, I think the time will come for Ducati to do the same, but it’s still a bit early, even though there are a few races left, and once we’re there battling every Sunday, we’ll evaluate everything.”