For the first time this season, Marc Marquez heads into a MotoGP weekend on top of the world championship. The Ducati star has overturned a massive 102-point deficit to draw level with Aprilia’s Jorge Martin after completing his latest double at Misano last weekend.
While Martin has won just one Grand Prix this season, Marquez has claimed five Sunday wins, all during the last seven rounds. Momentum is therefore firmly on Marquez’s side as he returns to a circuit where the Desmosedici has taken at least one victory in each of the past ten seasons, including his own double on the way to last year’s crown.
"We come off a perfect weekend: the victory at Misano gave me a huge boost, also thanks to the support of so many Ducatisti fans," Marc Marquez said. "Here in Austria, I was competitive last year, and together with the whole team, we need to make the most of this positive momentum as we continue to fight with the best."
However, team-mate Francesco Bagnaia arrives at the Red Bull Ring in a very different situation. The double MotoGP champion has scored just one point in the last six races as he continues to struggle for grip and feeling on the GP26.
"In Misano, it wasn't easy to end the weekend with a crash in front of all the fans, but we have to keep working together with the Team," Bagnaia said. "Austria is a track where historically Ducati has always managed to make a difference and where I've achieved great results in the past. We won't give up and we'll keep pushing to be back at the front."
Bagnaia has now dropped to ninth in the world championship, behind Gresini's Alex Marquez, who missed three rounds due to injury. With Marquez riding high and Bagnaia struggling, the stage is set for another intriguing chapter in the 2026 MotoGP season at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Read Also
Honda has yet to decide its 2027 MotoGP line-up. David Alonso's contract and Diogo Moreira's performances force the Japanese manufacturer to choose for the second factory seat.
VR46 welcomes back Nicolo Bulega for MotoGP 2027, confident Ducati 850cc is very fast from private tests. Bulega also eyes WorldSBK 2026 title.
Pramac Yamaha will bring upgrades to the Austrian MotoGP at Red Bull Ring. Borsoi hopes setup progress can be confirmed at the engine-demanding track.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!