Marquez could clinch MotoGP title in Qatar despite grid depletion

Marc Marquez has a first match point in the 2026 MotoGP title battle at the Qatar Grand Prix after winning Saturday's sprint at Lusail, with Jorge Martin third. A win on Sunday would make Marquez an eight-time world champion with two rounds to spare, as Martin could not score enough points to catch him.

The grid has shrunk considerably after Yamaha withdrew both of its teams over security concerns about racing in the Gulf region. Pecco Bagnaia's foot injury in the sprint leaves 17 riders set to start, and Maverick Vinales has said he may withdraw from Sunday's race because of his injured shoulder. Luca Marini is also a doubt through illness.

If only 15 riders start, every finisher would score a point. Martin, who raced with a wrist fracture, needs only to finish 15th to keep his title hopes alive until the Portuguese Grand Prix later this month.