For much of the first half of the 2026 season, MotoGP lacked a true leader. Marco Bezzecchi had taken the reins at Aprilia thanks to an impressive start to the championship, before injuries and a string of bad luck completely derailed his momentum. Jorge Martin, meanwhile, capitalized on this turbulent period to take the lead in the overall standings, without ever giving the impression of exerting a dominance comparable to that of the great champions of recent years. The German Grand Prix may have changed this perception. Not because Jorge Martin collapsed. But because Marc Marquez became… Marc Marquez again.
No one was surprised to see Marc Marquez gain in Germany. By dix victories now on the SachsenringHe remains, quite simply, the undisputed master of this circuit. However, what deserves to be highlighted is the manner in which he achieved it. Pole position. Sprint victory. Grand Prix victory. No mistakes. No real threat.
The Ducati rider didn't just win a weekend: he controlled it from start to finish. And above all, he did it while Davide Tardozzi He continues to assert that his driver is still far from being 100% physically fit. This is undoubtedly the most worrying piece of information for his rivals.
The championship has never been so open… The standings are spectacular. George Martin remains leader. Ai Ogura confirms his incredible season by being at 14 lengths. Marc Marquez amounts to only 18 points. Bezzecchi, Di Giannantonio and several others are still fully in the running.
Jorge Martin remains in front… without having gained the upper hand
Mathematically, rarely has a championship been so close at the halfway point. But a championship isn't just about adding up points. It's also about dynamics. And those dynamics change very quickly.
George Martin is still first. But does he give the impression today of being the driver who controls the championship? Probably not. For several Grands Prix now, the driver Aprilia regularly mentions his lack of speed, his difficulties in regaining the sensations of the beginning of the season, or his desire to return to old settings.
After SachsenringSeveral journalists present in the paddock were also struck by his attitude. In the Paddock Pass podcastDavid Emmett sums up his impression in a single word: "Defeated." The term is strong.
This obviously does not mean that Martin He abandons the championship. This simply reflects the impression left by a driver who is still searching for answers while his main rival seems to have found them.
Meanwhile, Marquez He's back on his favorite track. A trend has been emerging over the last four Grand Prix. Marc Marquez no longer wins solely thanks to SachsenringHe is gradually regaining the ability that made him one of the greatest champions in history: to impose his rhythm on the championship.
When he was at his peak with HondaHis rivals knew that a winning streak could quickly turn an entire season around. Today, that feeling is back. His deficit of over a hundred points is already a thing of the past. In just a few races, he has once again become a fully credible contender for the world title.
This rise also comes at the best time for DucatiThe Italian manufacturer sees its star driver regaining confidence, while the upcoming circuits should be more suited to the Desmosedici. Above all, Marc Marquez He seems to have finally rediscovered a natural relationship with his motorcycle. For several months, he rode with a diminished physical condition. Today, his riding is becoming instinctive again.
If his physique continues to improve during the summer break, Ducati could find an even more formidable driver in the second half of the championship.
Until now, it was Marc Marquez who had to accomplish the impossible to return. This mission is almost complete. From SilverstoneThe situation will be different. It is now George Martin who will have to defend his leading position against a driver who is regaining his full confidence.
And the history of MotoGP shows a constant: when a Marc Marquez He regains his best form, often becoming more dangerous on the comeback than when he is leading the championship.
Le Sachsenring It may not have decided the title. However, it may have, for the first time this season, identified a true favorite. And that favorite is once again... Marc Marquez.
