Alex Marquez is no longer seen as just the younger brother of Marc Marquez, as he now stands out as a genuine threat heading into the 2026 MotoGP season.
The reigning world champion has made it clear that he views Alex not through family ties, but as a direct competitor on track.
Marc Marquez enjoyed a dominant 2025 campaign with the Ducati factory team. The 32-year-old secured his seventh premier class title, winning 11 grands prix and 14 sprint races. It was his first championship in six years and the ninth of his career, drawing him level with Valentino Rossi.
The season also marked a historic milestone for the Marquez family. Marc claimed the world title, while Alex finished second overall. Alex recorded three victories and ended the season just 78 points behind his elder brother.
Alex Marquez’s outstanding performances aboard the Gresini-run Ducati GP24 earned him a promotion to a factory-spec Ducati for 2026, where he will race the latest Desmosedici GP26. With equal machinery, Marc believes Alex will be his main challenger in the upcoming title fight.
Marc also stressed that Alex’s achievements deserve full recognition, stating that from now on, he sees him purely as a rival capable of fighting for the championship.
