After a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him finish runner-up to brother Marc and deliver 24 podiums including three victories, Alex Marquez is being hailed as a major title contender for 2026 — a label he welcomes as “natural.”
The Gresini rider will make a big leap next season, gaining access to factory-spec Ducati machinery (GP26) for the first time, joining the elite ranks of Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio on top-tier Desmosedicis.
“It’s normal that after finishing second, people expect us to fight for the title,” said Alex. “That pressure can hurt you or give you motivation. For me, it’s motivation.”
Speaking at an Estrella Galicia event, Alex emphasized the importance of continuing improvement and staying calm under pressure — traits that defined his breakout 2025 season.
“We’ve learned to stay calm when things got complicated. That calmness comes when you know you have the speed,” he said.
With Gresini clinching the Independent Team title in Malaysia, Alex enters the final two races free from pressure, already focused on fine-tuning his form for the step up in 2026.
