The roar of the Desmosedici GP26 has officially silenced the skeptics. As the MotoGP paddock gathers at the Chang International Circuit for the 2026 season opener this weekend, all eyes are on one man: the reigning World Champion, Marc Marquez.
After a historic 2025 campaign that saw him capture his 9th World Title (equaling Valentino Rossi) in a dominant first year with the Ducati Lenovo factory team, Marquez enters this season on the precipice of immortality.
The “Century” is Calling
Statistically, Marquez is no longer racing his peers; he is racing history. Having closed 2025 with 99 career Grand Prix victories, his first win of 2026 will make him only the third rider in history to reach the 100-win milestone, joining legends Giacomo Agostini (122) and Valentino Rossi (115).
“The pressure is always there when you wear red,” Marquez told reporters during the final pre-season test in Buriram. “Last year we closed the circle of the ‘comeback.’ Now, we are here to fight for championships. If the 10th title arrives, it’s welcome—if not, it’s not a disaster, but we will push every lap.”
Testing Turmoil: Speed vs. Concentration
Despite his championship favorite status, Marquez’s pre-season hasn’t been without drama. The final days of testing in Thailand saw the #93 hit the gravel three times—incidents he chalked up to a lack of concentration following a brief stomach virus.
“I was a bit tired, and when you lose focus on these bikes, you go over the limit,” Marquez admitted. “But the feeling with the GP26 is good. We focus on long-run pace, and that is where we are strongest.”
The Brotherly Rivalry
In a twist that would have seemed like fiction three years ago, Marquez’s primary title threat may come from across the dinner table. Alex Marquez, who finished a career-best second in the 2025 standings, topped the timesheets on Day 1 of the Buriram test.
Armed with factory-spec machinery for 2026, the younger Marquez has evolved from a solid mid-pack rider into a legitimate “Alien.” Marc himself has labeled Alex his “number one rival” based on last year’s form.
| Category | Marc Marquez #93 | The Milestone to Watch |
| World Titles | 9 (7 in MotoGP) | Needs 1 to equal Agostini’s 8 Premier Class titles |
| GP Wins | 99 | Needs 1 for the 100-win club |
| 2025 Form | 11 Wins / 14 Sprints | Entering 2026 as the heavy betting favorite |
| Main Rivals | Alex Marquez, Bagnaia, Bezzecchi | A three-way battle for Ducati dominance |
The Road Ahead
The 22-round 2026 season kicks off this Sunday in Thailand, followed by a high-speed swing through Brazil and the United States. With Francesco Bagnaia looking to reclaim his throne and Marco Bezzecchi leading a resurgent Aprilia charge, Marquez’s path to a 10th crown will be the most scrutinized journey in motorsport history.
As the lights go out in Buriram, the question isn’t just if Marc Marquez can win—it’s how much more of the record book he can rewrite before the year is out.