We're exactly halfway through this MotoGP season, so it's time for a mid-season review. Yesterday, I reflected on what I liked about the first 11 Grands Prix. The verdict was clear: I'm very happy with this start, but, of course, there are a few downsides. It's time to address them.
Disappointing pilots
As mentioned yesterday, The average number of points scored by the best players is rather low at this time of year.For some, it's still a significant step forward, and Ai Ogura wouldn't disagree. But while we've had very strong drivers every year since 2023 (capable of winning every race, of being dangerous in every session), this 2026 season marks a very clear difference. On one side, we have Marc Marquez, who, unlike in other seasons, is managing his effort.I'm very happy to see him riding like this, because that's when he's most dangerous. He's capable of winning, but he also knows how to settle for around sixth place when he doesn't want to take too many risks.
I also praised Pedro Acosta at length in another article, because his equipment doesn't allow him to perform at the same level. But behind them and Ai Ogura, who, thanks to his consistency above all, is in this position, the competition is thin. Marco Bezzecchi is now a poor title contender with a current losing streak.Jorge Martin is good, yes, but he's not exactly a world-beater either; he's sometimes significantly outclassed, even by his colleagues at Trackhouse. The difference was more than clear at Assen as well as at the Sachsenring. To be honest, I've had two very good weekends with the "Martinator" since the beginning: in the United States and in France.On the other hand, he also had some very disappointing performances, I'm thinking in particular of Catalonia where he had a real chance to play, but fell four or five times, I lost count.
Next, what about Di Giannantonio? I love the Ducati VR46 rider, but his lack of explosiveness at the start costs him far too much, and he has to rely on consistency to score points, even though he has the soul of a formidable attacker.His victory in Barcelona was magnificent, but apart from that, it's relatively average.Given Ogura's performance on equal bikes, I expected Raul Fernandez to be closer. Bagnaia continues to disappoint and seems to be losing motivation. Quartararo, meanwhile, has completely lost his edge. As for the rookies? Moreira shows great promise, but he's 15th overall when I predicted he'd finish 14th or 15th at the end of the season, so it's hard to be surprised. A similar situation applies to Toprak Razgatlioglu, except I predicted he'd finish last or second-to-last depending on Alex Rins' injuries. Bingo.
So, when I look back at the rankings, I struggle to find any pleasant surprises. Even Luca Marini, whom I used to praise highly, leaves me cold; he didn't capitalize on the momentum at the end of 2025. and has even regressed in many respects, especially on a lap.
More injuries
It's time for a change. I sincerely hope that the new regulations, coming soon, will drastically reduce the risk of injury. a bit like comparing 1000cc to 800ccOnce again, this year has been plagued by numerous trips to the infirmary, a common occurrence since drag racing arrived on the scene. We've only had 11 Grand Prix races, and already... Six drivers missed at least one race due to injuryincluding the two favorites announced for the crown before the start, Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi!
I have been campaigning against this phenomenon for a long time, even though, as I said yesterday, The falls are an integral part of the "product MotoGP » Whether we like it or not. The thing is, I hope we don't see a title decided by absences. If we exclude Marc Marquez's problems between 2020 and 2024, it's never happened, but I pray to every god that 2026 won't be the first time. Unfortunately, such a scenario isn't hard to imagine: Marquez, leading in Japan, suffers a serious injury, opening the door for Fabio Di Giannantonio, who has been consistent since the start, while Bezzecchi has to miss the race after being taken out by Ai Ogura. Admit it, that wouldn't make any sense.
Apart from these two points, I really enjoyed this start to the year.And you, what are your little disappointments? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport