Marc Marquez to keep same approach in Qatar as title chance looms

Marc Marquez goes into the Qatar MotoGP weekend with a chance of clinching his eighth world title after a seventh win of the season at Sepang. The Ducati rider has largely been in what he describes as management mode through 2026, and he holds a 44-point championship lead heading into round 20.

Marquez said Qatar is not one of his favourite circuits, though he was competitive there last year. He indicated that his strategy will not change, with the focus on working day by day and maximising points in Sunday's main race.

Francesco Bagnaia, who is moving to Aprilia for 2027, arrives in Qatar in poor form, having not finished in the top six since Germany. He won at the circuit in 2024 and said he aims to get closer to the front group.