Defending champion Marc Marquez will launch his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth premier class world title this weekend as the 2026 MotoGP season opens in Thailand. After a remarkable return to form last year, Marquez remains focused on adding to his legacy with .
In 2025, the 33-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a dominant campaign with the Ducati Lenovo Team, securing the championship with five races to spare. Marquez notched up wins across sprint and main races before missing the final four rounds due to a collarbone injury. His performance marked the first time he had lifted the title since 2019.
With the season curtain-raiser set at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Marquez says he is ready to fight for another championship and match Italian legend Giacomo Agostini’s record of eight premier class titles. Marquez told reporters during pre-season testing that competing for the championship is the priority for his team this year.
Source: Motorsport Guides
Marquez spent the winter focused on recovery and refining his fitness. While he admitted he was not fully at peak condition early in the off-season tests in Malaysia, he still showed strong pace. His younger brother, Alex Marquez, who finished second in last year’s standings, topped the timesheets at Sepang testing and is also expected to be a title contender.
The 2026 grid is deep with talent, featuring several current and former world champions, including Jorge Martin, Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Joan Mir. Martin’s 2025 title defence was derailed by injuries that have carried into the new season, while Bagnaia is determined to rediscover the championship form he showed in 2022 and 2023.
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi made a strong start to the year, setting a new lap record during testing in Thailand, and KTM’s Pedro Acosta, another young star, will aim for his first MotoGP race win this season.
The premier class also welcomes new competitors such as Toprak Razgatlioglu, the first rider from Turkey to compete in MotoGP, and Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira, who will race in front of his home crowd when the championship heads to Brazil later in the year.
This season marks the final year before significant technical regulations are introduced for 2027, adding further importance to early performance and championship momentum.
Marquez’s bid for an eighth world title at the season opener in Thailand signals another thrilling chapter in his illustrious MotoGP career, and sets the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.
