The 2026 MotoGP championship is drawing to a close, but the lessons learned go far beyond simply awarding the world title. This Friday, three stories illustrate the power dynamics that are already shaping what comes next: Marc Marquez and his incredible return to the top, Pedro Acosta whom Ducati presents as their future idol, and Fabio Di Giannantonio whose criticisms of the championship leader provoke a scathing response from Andrea Dovizioso.
Behind these episodes, the same question remains: how to find your place in a MotoGP where Marquez continues to dictate the pace, both on the track and in conversations?
The three signals of the day:
- Crutchlow reminds us why you should never have written off Marquez, even with a 102-point deficit.
- Domenicali is already announcing a love affair between Pedro Acosta and the Ducati supporters.
- Dovizioso judges Di Giannantonio "really arrogant" after his exchange with Márquez in Qatar.
Mark: 102 points behind, and Crutchlow isn't even surprised!
Yet, they had to believe. After Mugello, Marc Marquez trailed Marco Bezzecchi by 102 points . Aprilia had dominated the start of the season, while the Spaniard was returning from physical problems that had once again required surgery.
A few months later, the Ducati rider has a 60- point lead over Jorge Martin and could clinch his eighth premier class title as early as the Portimão Sprint . For Cal Crutchlow , former Honda rider and regular rival of Marquez , this turnaround is not inexplicable.
" Marc Marquez never ceases to amaze us, so it's hard to say he wouldn't come back ." This statement perfectly sums up the man. Marquez hasn't just rediscovered his speed. He's rebuilt a championship that many considered lost, also taking advantage of his rivals' mistakes and injuries.
The signal: Aprilia has shown it can beat Ducati . Marquez reminded everyone that they still need to beat him over a full season.
Acosta: Ducati is already preparing for life after Marquez… with Marc in the garage!
Claudio Domenicali no longer hides his enthusiasm for Pedro Acosta . The young Spaniard will join the official Ducati team in 2027, alongside Marc Marquez , in a season marked by the arrival of 850cc engines and Pirelli tires.
But the Ducati CEO isn't just talking about results. " We're sure Ducatists will fall in love when he wears red ." A telling statement. Ducati recruited Acosta even before his first MotoGP victory. Since then, the KTM rider has confirmed his potential, notably with his win in Austria.
The Italian manufacturer is now counting on his talent, youth, and straightforward personality to write a new chapter. One detail remains: Marquez has no intention of relinquishing first place.
The message is therefore twofold. Ducati is preparing for its succession while bringing together two riders capable of claiming the same status. An exciting strategy for the fans, but potentially tricky for the garage's management.
Di Giannantonio: Dovizioso intervenes in Marquez's trial
The Qatar Sprint continues to cause controversy. After the collision between Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi , Fabio Di Giannantonio directly criticized the Spaniard for having closed his line.
The stewards had nevertheless concluded it was a racing incident. Andrea Dovizioso did not appreciate the intervention of the VR46 rider . " Everyone is free to express their opinion, of course, but I found him really arrogant . "
Marquez 's former rival believes Di Giannantonio should have been more careful with his words. But the affair also raises an interesting question: does the status of champion require a certain degree of deference from other riders?
Di Giannantonio was a direct witness to the accident. His disagreement is therefore not illegitimate. Ducati dominates the championship, but there is no unanimity around Marquez , even among the brand's MotoGP riders.
What we will be watching for tomorrow:
- Statements from Marquez and his rivals ahead of Portimão, where the title could be decided as early as the Sprint.
- The first clues about how Ducati intends to manage the Marquez–Acosta partnership in 2027.
- Possible reactions from Di Giannantonio and Marquez to the criticisms made by Dovizioso.
This Friday, MM93 is everywhere: in Crutchlow 's admiration , in Ducati 's future ambitions , and in the controversy sparked by Di Giannantonio . A champion can dominate the results. The greatest also end up dominating all conversations. And Marc Marquez still seems far from having finished both.
