Giacomo Agostini: “Real” 2026 MotoGP title fight begins at Spanish GP

MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini believes the “real” 2026 MotoGP title fight will begin this Sunday, as he backs reigning champion Marc Marquez to bounce back.

After three rounds of the new campaign, Aprilia has emerged as the clear favourite, with Marco Bezzecchi winning all Sunday races so far.

Bezzecchi leads Aprilia team-mate Jorge Martin by four points, while Ducati’s underwhelming start has seen it score just one Sunday podium.

Reigning world champion Marc Marquez has struggled at the start of the season, with the shoulder he injured last year continuing to hold him back.

After the first three races, he is fifth in the standings with a best result of fourth, a far cry from the two grands prix wins he had at the same stage last year.

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However, speaking at the Laureus Awards in Madrid on Monday, eight-time MotoGP champion Agostini backed Marquez to begin his title defence properly this weekend at Jerez.

“Unfortunately, at the end of last year, he was hit by another rider,” he told Marca.

“So, he started the season less prepared than the others. That’s why I think the real world championship starts Sunday at Jerez.”

Ducati’s Gigi Dall’Igna noted earlier this week that he feels the April break will have helped Marquez get back to 100% fitness.

Agostini: My records are there to be broken

Should Marquez win the world title this year, it will move him equal to eight with Agostini, who has held the record since 1975.

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Agostini also holds the record for most grand prix titles across all classes at 15.

“It’s difficult, but records are meant to be broken,” he said. “I hope not, but if it were to happen, I’d celebrate with them.”

On the current crop of riders who excite him, Agostini added: “I love the rider, not the name.

“I root for whoever excites me, for whoever gives 100% and leaves you speechless.

“For whoever gives 100% and entertains you.

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“Whether it’s Márquez, Bezzecchi, Bastianini, or others doesn’t matter.

“I support whoever does things that others, at that moment, can’t do.

“If Marquez gives 100%, I’ll root for him. If Bezzecchi does it, I’ll root for him. The same goes for Bagnaia or Martin.”

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