Marc Marquez plays down chances as Jorge Martin senses Misano opportunity
Martin insists he has no fear as Marquez closes in (Credit: Apex Agency)
13:30, 10 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Marc Marquez is playing down his chances at the San Marino Grand Prix, while Jorge Martin is bolstering his.
Martin heads into Round 14 of the MotoGP World Championship top of the standings with a 19-point lead over Marquez in second.
That gap closed considerably last time out in Aragon as Marquez won the Grand Prix and sprint, while Martin finished fifth in both.
Both champions had pointed out beforehand that such a turn of events was likely, given how much the anti-clockwise Spanish circuit minimised the impact of Marquez’s right arm injuries and boosted his already impressive form there.
However, at Misano, they’ve both hinted that the tables will turn.
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Marc Marquez expects tougher challenge at Misano
Speaking ahead of the event, Marquez said in a Ducati press release: “In Aragon, we got the maximum number of points possible, and that was our goal. MotorLand is a circuit that suits my riding style very well.
“Here in Misano, it will be a bit more complicated, but it is still a track where I can try to perform at my best and take the Desmosedici GP to the limit of its potential.
“There will be tons of Ducati fans, and that can always give you that extra edge that makes all the difference.”
Martin, who won at the same circuit in 2023, gave an opposing view.
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Jorge Martin strikes more confident tone than Marquez
He said in an Aprilia statement: “We're arriving at a circuit I like, after having done a good job in Aragon, and with clear objectives.
“The Misano GP is always special when you're part of an Italian team, and together with Aprilia and the fans, I'm sure it will be a great weekend.”
The 2024 world champion then played down his struggles in qualifying.
He continued: "Finishing first in qualifying is important for the whole Aprilia team, but we've already seen that, given the small margins, it's neither a priority nor a decisive factor.
“We need to stay focused on our work. I'm really looking forward to getting on the RS-GP26 and giving it my all at Aprilia's home track."
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Marquez and Martin face another major Misano threat
There is a problem for both Marquez and Martin, though, and it comes from the other side of the garage.
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi has returned from double surgery on his collarbone and knee and despite battling against pain he’s exceeded his and the team’s expectations.
The Italian has finished third in the Grand Prix and sprint in back-to-back races, and with his pain easing, he’s finally looking forward to a home race.
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Present at the Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1, Bezzecchi spoke about taking inspiration from his compatriot and good friend Kimi Antonelli.
“You have to believe in it, you have to fight for it,” he said. “Kimi is doing that in his championship, and I'll try to do my absolute best.
“In the end, that's what it comes down to: giving everything you have and fighting until the very end.”
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Spanish Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 11.09.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 12.09.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 13.09.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 11.09.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 12.09.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 13.09.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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