Marc Marquez has named Austrian MotoGP winner Pedro Acosta as one of the potential title contenders for 2026, but Acosta believes his future Ducati teammate will ultimately take the championship. Acosta’s first MotoGP victory at the Red Bull Ring, KTM’s home circuit, propelled him to fourth place in the world standings, trailing the Aprilia leader Jorge Martin by 72 points.
Reigning champion Marquez, who briefly led the championship after the Aragon race, is now 12 points behind Martin heading into the upcoming flyaway races. Marquez commented on Acosta’s sudden rise, noting, “He’s in the championship. I was 102 points behind seven races ago. So, he’s definitely in the championship fight.” Meanwhile, Martin’s Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi sits in third, 42 points off the lead.
When asked about the favorite for the title, Acosta told MotoGP.com, “I’m still quite far from the top, but not too far from the top three, so I’m happy about that. We’re heading into a good stretch with the races in Asia coming up. But I think Marc should win the championship. He’s the one with more championships and experience. For that reason, I’m putting my money on him.”
There are eight rounds left, with 296 points still up for grabs, starting next weekend in Japan. Last year, Pecco Bagnaia won both races at Motegi, while Marquez clinched his first Ducati title there. Acosta was a strong competitor at Motegi in his rookie 2024 season and showed speed again last year by finishing on the Sprint podium and leading much of the grand prix before losing ground and running off into the gravel.
Fan Take: This development highlights an exciting generational clash as Acosta challenges established stars like Marquez and Martin, signaling a thrilling chapter ahead for MotoGP fans. The fight for the title is heating up, promising intense battles and potentially new rivalries that could shape the future of the sport.
Source: www.crash.net
