Marquez downplays MotoGP title chance after Qatar Sprint win

Marc Marquez has played down his chances of winning the 2026 MotoGP title in Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix. The Ducati rider won Saturday's Sprint, with third place for Jorge Martin, and would need to win the race while Martin fails to score to become an eight-time premier-class champion. "I would like [to win the title at the first opportunity], I cannot lie, but it's not the day to take that risk," Marquez said. He added that he did not have the rhythm to win the race and expected a very difficult Grand Prix, particularly because Aprilia are very fast over the long distance.

Marco Bezzecchi, who started the Sprint on pole, crashed after an attempted pass on Marquez ended in contact. Marquez said Bezzecchi had been faster in practice and the race, and that his airbag deployed after the contact. Martin later briefly attacked for the lead before losing second place to Fabio di Giannantonio.

Bezzecchi must outscore Marquez by six points, or five if he wins the Grand Prix, to remain in the title fight after Sunday's race.