Marc Marquez reveals "only thing" he's missing on 2026 Ducati MotoGP bike
Marc Marquez says early race “feeling” was holding him back in the Brazilian MotoGP.
Marc Marquez insists the “only thing” he is missing is stronger opening laps, after battling for the podium in the Brazilian MotoGP.
Despite celebrating a first victory of the season in the Sprint, the reigning world champion could only fight for third place in the grand prix.
On both occasions, Marc Marquez went head-to-head with Fabio di Giannantonio, beating the VR46 rider in on Saturday but losing out after a late scare on loose asphalt in the main race.
Meanwhile, the victorious Aprilia of Marco Bezzecchi had crossed the finish line four seconds ahead.
Marquez lost more than half of that time due to a “lack of feeling” in the opening laps.
The factory Ducati star's hopes suffered a further blow when he was overtaken by di Giannantonio and Jorge Martin, robbing him of a clear track ahead.
Nonetheless, Marquez's pace improved as the race went on, until becoming embroiled in a battle with di Giannantonio on laps 18, 19 and 20.
Marquez then set his best lap on the very final lap, crossing the line just a few tenths behind di Giannantonio.
“I'm missing the first laps, only this,” Marquez said of what more he needs from the GP26.
“The feeling... I don't feel well, and it's there where I need to improve.”
The Spaniard added: “I tried to stay calm and not push too hard in order to avoid wearing the tyres out too much.
“When I found myself behind Jorge and Fabio, I was never able to get close enough for a comfortable pass, but this is mainly due to the track's characteristics.
“We're not far from the leaders and there are a couple of areas we need to work on.
"Unfortunately, I didn't have the pace to stay at the front today, but overall it was a positive weekend.”
Reflecting on Bezzecchi and Aprilia’s fourth grand prix victory in a row, Marquez said:
“I always include a package, rider plus bike. It's not only the rider, it's not only the bike.
"It's both together, and at the moment they are performing in a very good way.”
New title leader Bezzecchi starts this weekend’s COTA MotoGP round 22 points clear of Marquez, in fifth.
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Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
