EXPERTS TIP MARC MARQUEZ TO LEAD MISANO CHARGE AS SAN MARINO GP TITLE RIVALS PUSH FOR VICTORY

With the 2026 San Marino Grand Prix heading to Misano, MotoGP News’ panel of writers has focused on a familiar theme: the battle between Ducati’s home strength and the growing threat from Aprilia—especially with Marc Marquez arriving after a double at Aragon.

Ducati’s recent Misano record looms large. The Desmosedici have powered the past five winners of the San Marino GP, and the last time the race was won without a Ducati was back in 2020, when Fabio Quartararo took victory on Yamaha. Marquez, meanwhile, has been in top form: he brought his Ducati GP26 to the top of both the Sprint and Grand Prix podiums at Aragon, and his Aragon success has cut his deficit to Aprilia’s Jorge Martin at the top of the 2026 standings to just 19 points.

The experts expect Misano to be shaped by a two-pronged fight—Ducati versus Aprilia—while also noting that Aprilia’s RS-GP has shown stronger cornering characteristics this season compared to the Ducati in the corners so far. That sets up a likely tussle for pole, Sprint bragging rights, and the main race win.

For pole position, the predictions lean toward Jorge Martin. Kyle Archer points to Martin’s qualifying form, saying the Aprilia rider took pole in two of the past four rounds at Assen and Silverstone, and expects Misano to suit him as well, citing that he previously achieved pole there in 2023: “Aprilia ace and 2026 championship leader Jorge Martin took pole position for two of the past four rounds at the TT Circuit Assen and Silverstone… and he will expect it to also pay off at Misano where he previously achieved pole in 2023.”

Other panelists also highlight Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi. Ashley Hambly expects Marquez to be in the mix after returning to full form at Aragon, adding that physicality has been an issue but should matter less in qualifying: “After returning to full form last time out at the Aragon Grand Prix, Marc Marquez will be licking his lips… Physicality remains an issue for the Spaniard, but that won’t matter during Q2.”

For Bezzecchi, David Comerford and Tyler Rowlinson both back the Italian’s Misano qualifying potential, with Comerford referencing Ducati’s expectation that Bezzecchi will be strong and backing him to repeat his 2025 pole, while Rowlinson leans on home support and the Aprilia’s pace: “With the home crowd behind him and with that Aprilia, Marco Bezzecchi will be hard to beat in qualifying at Misano this weekend.”

When it comes to the Sprint, the panel’s confidence in Marquez remains strong even if pole doesn’t go Ducati’s way. Kyle Archer argues that Ducati will still feel Marquez’s shoulder injury should not prevent him from challenging the Aprilia duo in Saturday’s race. Ashley Hambly predicts Marquez will win the Sprint, with Martin second ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio, framing Aprilia as a persistent threat but expecting Marquez’s ability to decide the outcome: “I predict Marc Marquez to coast to victory during the Sprint Race at Misano… Aprilia will still be a thorn in Ducati’s side, but Marquez’s skill will end up making the difference in the Sprint.”

David Comerford also expects a Marquez edge over Bezzecchi in the Sprint, while Tyler Rowlinson calls Marquez the “Sprint King,” again expecting Ducati to spoil Aprilia’s plans.

For the Grand Prix itself, the writers split between a Bezzecchi home win and a Marquez victory, with Martin often treated as the rider most likely to manage the championship. Kyle Archer suggests Bezzecchi and Marquez could duel for the win, noting Martin may accept the best points result if needed, and referencing how close the 2025 fight was: “So, we could expect to see Martin watch on as Bezzecchi and Marquez duel over the victory… when Marc won by just 0.568s.”

Ashley Hambly leans toward Bezzecchi, arguing that Misano’s home atmosphere could help him deliver another landmark result, even if he is not 100% following an Assen crash. Comerford predicts a thrilling full-distance battle between Bezzecchi and Marquez, while Rowlinson also expects the same podium trio as in the Sprint but with Bezzecchi taking the win.

Finally, the panel’s “biggest surprise” picks include Joan Mir, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Johann Zarco. Kyle Archer points to Mir’s Honda form at Aragon and suggests he could score heavily at Misano after a run of DNFs earlier in the season. Ashley Hambly highlights Di Giannantonio’s need for a strong weekend to keep title hopes alive, while David Comerford and Tyler Rowlinson both back Zarco for a potential top-eight impact, citing improved condition after Aragon and the absence of penalties holding him back.