QATAR’S STATUS COULD SWING MARQUEZ-MARTIN TITLE FIGHT, SAYS MARTINEZ

The 2026 MotoGP title battle between Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez could hinge partly on whether the postponed Qatar Grand Prix takes place, according to Jorge Aspar Martinez. With five rounds remaining before the Australian Grand Prix, Aprilia rider Martin leads Ducati’s Marquez by just two points. Marco Bezzecchi is third, 46 points behind Martin.

Qatar is scheduled for November 6–8 at Lusail, as round 20 of the 22-race season. The event was moved from April amid concerns about the situation in the region. Although uncertainty has persisted, the MotoGP Teams Association has told teams the race is expected to go ahead, following assurances from Qatari authorities.

Martinez said he would give Marquez the advantage if Qatar is cancelled, but might favour Martin if the race goes ahead. Lusail’s fast, flowing layout could suit Aprilia: Martinez said the RS-GP performs particularly well on circuits where high average speeds and quick corners reward its handling and aerodynamics. He also sees Phillip Island as a potentially favourable venue for Aprilia, while Sepang, Portimao and Valencia may offer a more balanced contest.

The former team owner praised both title contenders for their comebacks. Martin, who once rode for Martinez, has recovered from a difficult period after winning the world championship and, Martinez said, has found his rhythm on the Aprilia. Martin has also said he does not expect to struggle over the remaining races.

Martinez described Marquez’s campaign as extraordinary given his injury history and the fact that, in his view, Ducati does not currently have the strongest bike. He said Marquez is trying both to improve the machine and to win the championship. Martinez also pointed to a change in the Spaniard’s approach: after Marquez finished sixth in the previous race, he noted that the rider now appears more willing to manage a difficult result rather than either fight at the front or crash.

Marquez’s physical condition remains a concern for Ducati. Team manager Davide Tardozzi has acknowledged doubts about whether Marquez’s right arm and shoulder will allow him to sustain a title challenge. Tardozzi believes Phillip Island could provide an important test: its anti-clockwise direction may suit Marquez, but its fast layout is also expected to favour Martin’s Aprilia.

With the title margin so narrow and the remaining circuits offering different challenges, Martinez expects the contest to continue to the final rounds. Whether Qatar is included could shape the balance between the two riders, but the outcome will also depend on how their bikes and Marquez’s fitness fare across the varied tracks.