Jorge Lorenzo has cautioned reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez that “nothing is forever” as the 32-year-old prepares to defend his 2025 title against an increasingly competitive field in 2026.
Marquez, who became the oldest MotoGP champion of the four-stroke era last season, ended the year carrying a shoulder injury. His recovery means the Sepang test in February will be his first time back on a MotoGP bike in roughly three months since October’s Indonesian Grand Prix.
Lorenzo believes age will gradually become a challenge for the eight-time world champion:
“You start losing reflexes little by little; you start losing risk when things get complicated. And the young riders are coming very strong,” he said.
The Spaniard pointed to rising talents and rivals hitting their prime:
“Pedro Acosta will be stronger; Martin, Bezzecchi, Bagnaia — they’re 27, 28, in the best age possible. So little by little, Marc will struggle with the age thing as all sportsmen do. Nothing is forever.”
Despite the warning, Lorenzo still views Marquez as the most complete rider on the grid — at least for now. But he emphasised the strength of Aprilia heading into 2026:
“Aprilia and Bezzecchi are very strong. The bike has no weak points. If it’s not on Ducati’s level, it might even be a bit stronger now. Alex Marquez is also there.”
Given the rising competition and Marquez’s long injury layoff, Lorenzo believes repeating his 2025 success will be significantly tougher in the upcoming season.
