MARTIN SEES MOTOGP TITLE RACE NARROWING TO THREE RIDERS

Jorge Martin believes the 2026 MotoGP title contest has narrowed to three realistic contenders: himself, reigning champion Marc Marquez and Aprilia team-mate Marco Bezzecchi. Eight riders remain mathematically in the running, but Martin says the picture has sharpened after the Indonesian Grand Prix.

The championship leader takes a two-point advantage over Marquez to Phillip Island. Bezzecchi is 46 points behind Martin after scoring more than both rivals at Mandalika. With five rounds and a maximum of 185 points still available, the Italian remains firmly in the fight.

“After Indonesia, it’s clearer than ever that this championship will be fought out between the top three,” Martin said. He noted that the standings have tightened and stressed the need to keep working and trust Aprilia and his team.

Phillip Island presents a particular challenge for Martin. He and Marquez both missed last year’s race through injury, so Martin has yet to ride the RS-GP at the circuit. This weekend is also set to be MotoGP’s final visit to the Australian track. “I’m confident that my team and I will do an excellent job and give this circuit the send-off it deserves,” he said.

Aprilia arrives with strong recent form at the venue: Bezzecchi won last year’s Sprint, while Raul Fernandez took the Grand Prix. Bezzecchi might have secured both victories but for a double long-lap penalty following his collision with Marquez in Indonesia. At this year’s Mandalika round, Bezzecchi and Fernandez were involved in a Turn 1 incident before helping deliver an Aprilia top-four finish in the Grand Prix.

Bezzecchi welcomed the return to Phillip Island, while regretting that it will be the team’s last time there. “I can’t wait, especially after the fantastic Sunday we had in Indonesia,” he said.

Aprilia has said it will not impose team orders while its riders remain mathematically eligible for the championship. That includes Trackhouse riders Ai Ogura and Fernandez, who are 96 and 119 points behind respectively. Ogura will remain within mathematical reach after Phillip Island; Fernandez needs to be no more than 148 points off the lead at the end of Sunday to stay in contention.