A step back
87 to 28. This is the comparison, in terms of points obtained after three rounds, between the 2025 and 2026 seasons of Alex Marquez. In the evident crisis of results and performance shown by Ducati at the start of this championship, the data of the reigning world runner-up stands out, exactly like that of his brother Marc. In fact, the Gresini #73 last year had left Austin holding the championship leadership and a one-point advantage over his big brother.
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This year, however, Alex languishes in eighth position with just 28 points collected and without ever having entered the top-3 once, neither in the Saturday Sprints nor in the GPs. Somewhat like what happened to the entire squad of Borgo Panigale riders – with the exception perhaps of only Fabio Di Giannantonio – the younger of the Marquez brothers has so far mainly had to try to limit the damage.
Special circuit
Speaking at an event for his sponsor Hawkers, the Gresini team rider said he hopes for a decisive change of pace starting from the Jerez weekend, which a year ago saw him achieve his first MotoGP success: “Jerez is a very special circuit for me. Last year I got my first victory there, so I hope we can take advantage of it to change the dynamic after this start to 2026, which has been more complicated than expected and start the European season in the best possible way”, commented Marquez.
The class of ’96 from Cervera also recognized that Ducati is certainly at least one step behind compared to last season: “The start of the World Championship was not easy. The first races must always be approached with caution, to understand exactly where we are and how things stand. I believe that after four or five rounds everything will fall into place and that’s when we will really see where we are – concluded Alex, who next year should join KTM – perhaps we are not as strong as last year, but we are working and we have clear ideas on how to turn the situation around”.
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