Aprilia riders not ruling out Marc Marquez from 2026 MotoGP title fight

Franco Morbidelli, VR46 Racing Team, Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

Martin, who closed within one point of Bezzecchi in the title standings following his victory in the French GP, cited Marquez’s previous comeback from his career-threatening 2020 injury as proof of his ability.

“If somebody demonstrates that they can go from the lowest to the highest again, it is Marc,” said Martin. “So we cannot discount him. I hope he recovers soon and he's back with us very soon.”

Marquez had already planned further surgery on his right shoulder after a screw that was fitted in 2019 became bent and started touching a radial nerve, compromising his movements.

The fracture he sustained to his foot in the Le Mans sprint crash ultimately allowed him to bring forward the planned shoulder operation, which had not previously been disclosed publicly.

The Spaniard’s brother Alex Marquez said any talks about the championship are irrelevant when it is unclear when the Ducati rider will be able to make a comeback.

While Marc has already withdrawn from the Barcelona round, the timing of his return will entirely depend upon his recovery from the shoulder operation.

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“First of all, we need to see when he will come back,” said the Gresini rider. “If he will miss one race, two, three or four, I don't know. Nobody knows.

"So on that point, we will be able to discuss if he will still have some options or not. Right now, it's too early.

“I think he's not thinking about the championship. He is thinking of recovering, and that's it.”

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