Marco Bezzecchi admits that underwhelming performances in MotoGP sprints have been the “weak link” in his otherwise strong 2026 season—a shortcoming that’s helped stall his title challenge against Marc Marquez.
From Early Favorite to Chasing Pack
After a blistering start with four grand prix victories in the opening seven rounds, Bezzecchi looked set for a title run. But a series of incidents and inconsistencies, particularly between the Hungarian and German Grands Prix, saw his momentum stall—leaving him 74 points behind Marquez with only four races left.
“I wanted to start strong, and I started very strong… but in the middle of the season there were a few races where, for one reason or another, things didn’t go as we’d hoped, and injury also played a part,” Bezzecchi said. Despite a recent win in Qatar, the gap to Marquez remains daunting.
Sprint Races: The Deciding Factor
While Bezzecchi has six grand prix wins this season, he has yet to win a sprint—unlike Marquez, who boasts 10 sprint victories along with seven Sunday wins.
“The sprints were a bit of my weak link… but it’s all about experience; everything helps you learn, improve, and so I would definitely have signed [for this season].”
He’s managed seven sprint podiums but admitted, “I’ve made a lot of small mistakes… a lot of little bad luck.”
Focus: Improvement—Not Elimination
Despite his struggles, Bezzecchi isn’t calling for sprints to be scrapped:
“I’d rather improve the sprints than eliminate them… I have to improve too. Others are doing well, so I must try to iron out these details.”
With four races left and a mathematical shot at the title, Bezzecchi remains focused on personal growth and extracting the positives from a season that, while impressive, has been defined by the fine margins in sprint performance.
