It's prediction time! Every season, this column tries to guess what will happen in the coming months, focusing on all the drivers in the category. Then, at the end of each article, the author will make a prediction, but will also welcome yours in the comments! Today, it's time to talk about Marco Bezzecchi.
Yesterday, we revisited the case of Pecco Bagnaia; click here to find the article in question.
My bet for the season
Since the beginning of this column, I've given you my prediction at the end of the article. But this time, I've decided to change the order of things: First, I will tell you where I see Marco Bezzecchi finishing at the end of the season, and then I will explain my reasoning.
No need to keep you in suspense any longer: I think Marco Bezzecchi will finish as world runner-up. MotoGPAnd, as you probably guessed, behind Marc Marquez.
Marco Bezzecchi, the anti-Marquez weapon?
Let me be clear: there is little chance that Bezzecchi will compete with the nine-time world champion over a full season, but, among the outsiders, I don't see anyone better equipped than him. The Italian has everything to succeed : a good motorcycle – we will come back to this in the next paragraph, and, above all, its dynamics.
In 2025, we discovered a new version of "Bez." More composed, more mature, he took his role as an official Aprilia rider with the utmost seriousness. Being a factory rider was his dream. And he largely honored that wish with a very convincing campaign.You can feel, in him, the embodiment of Aprilia, on the track, but also in press conferences. He is everything I expect from a factory rider.
Another advantage was that he was the only rider at Aprilia in 2025. I do think he took advantage of Martin's injury to impose his vision. Now, knowing how Martin has behaved with the team, it's not hard to guess who Aprilia will be focusing on next year. So we have an excellent rider, capable of winning in both Sprint races and Grands Prix, but also very fast in qualifying. Bezzecchi possesses extraordinary mental strength: he's absolutely unfazed by being eliminated in Q1. The Italian could very well turn things around in half a day and still take pole position from this uncomfortable position.This is reminiscent, of course, of the glory days of his friend Pecco Bagnaia in 2022 and 2023.
That's not all. Unlike Alex Marquez, because that's the big debateHe can really worry Marc on the track. I found the Gresini rider rather timid when he was behind his brother in 2025, whereas Bezzecchi showed he wasn't afraid to challenge him. And let's not forget that Marquez's weakness, historically, is his lack of skill and judgment in close duels. Who is more likely, at any given moment, to force Marc Marquez into a nail-biting battle, Bezzecchi or Alex Marquez? I have my answer.
Bezzecchi, in addition to that, is quite consistent in his performance, doesn't waste many opportunities, and doesn't ride recklessly. As mentioned above, I don't believe Marc Marquez will often be troubled; simply, In my list of candidates capable of doing it, Bezzecchi comes first..
Bezzecchi's Aprilia: not a better motorcycle, but a different one.
Unlike Alex Marquez, the Italian has another advantage: he will drive another machineAdmittedly, even if Aprilia is giving it its all to perform within this narrow window of opportunity, I find it hard to imagine the RS-GP on par with the Desmosedici. But two strong arguments can qualify this statement.
Firstly, the Noale-based firm has more room for improvement than Ducati due to its status as a dealership. This was evident during the 2025 season, as Bezzecchi frequently finished ahead of Alex Marquez, Di Giannantonio, and Bagnaia. While the red bikes are somewhat limited, the Rivola team will not hesitate to give it their all and continue developing the 1000cc machine, as announced a few days ago. Secondly, even Marc Marquez cannot prevent the Desmosedici from underperforming. Sometimes, the current year's Ducatis struggle inexplicably.This was the case in Indonesia last year, where even Marc Marquez was struggling before being hit.
Conversely, sometimes the Aprilia can surprise the entire paddock; this has long been the case on low-grip tracks like Termas de Rio Hondo or Barcelona. Without warning, the RS-GP would find itself at the top of the timesheets. Having a different bike is an advantage for an outsider like Bezzecchi, because at the slightest weakness in the Ducati, the victory could be decided between him and Pedro Acosta. which I imagine has a less good package.
Time for the prediction!
As previously stated, in my opinion, Marco Bezzecchi will finish as MotoGP world runner-up in 2026, or, at worst, third.I don't see him going any lower, because he has momentum on his side and a very good machine.
Contrary to what many observers believe, I remain convinced that Marc Marquez is not invincible. Over the course of a season, that's debatable, but on specific occasions, several times a year, This has already been proven by drivers less skilled than the Italian.Bezzecchi certainly has the talent to trouble the official Ducati rider.
What do you think of this prediction? 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