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Carlos Checa discusses Marc Marquez's title prospects for 2026 following the United States Grand Prix, noting Marquez's recent struggles. Checa's insights suggest a significant shift in outlook regarding Marquez's chances.
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Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
During a conversation with Sport, Carlos Checa gave his take on Ducatiâs recent struggles and weighed in on Marquezâs chances of holding onto his title.
Checa noted that Marquez didnât look like himself during the weekend at the United States Grand Prix, and after being asked about the Spaniardâs title hopes for 2026, he expanded further on that point.
He said: âBefore starting the world championship, I would have been surprised if he didnât win it; now, maybe Iâm surprised if he wins it. For me, the turning point was the United States.
âAustin is his circuit, and I understand that Fridayâs fall marked him a lot, I donât know if that even limited him physically, but for me there was the crucial moment to know where Marc was.
âThe fact of seeing it with so much difficulty, and suffering so much in that race, makes me understand that there is a job to do there to recover the Marc and the level he had before.â
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
KTM test rider Pol Espargaro recently pointed to the Spanish Grand Prix as a key race that could reveal where Marquez truly stands in the MotoGP hierarchy. Carlos Checa echoed that sentiment, agreeing that it will be a telling weekend for the reigning champion.
Speaking to the Spanish press, Checa expanded on his view: âWeâll see a little in Jerez, now itâs been three or four weeks, I think itâs enough time for him to be able to work on himself, on his shoulder, and see what level he is at.
Carlos Checa remarked that Marc Marquez did not look like himself during the United States Grand Prix, indicating concerns about his performance.
Checa expressed a shifted outlook on Marquez's title hopes for 2026, reflecting on Ducati's struggles and Marquez's recent performance.
Ducati's struggles may negatively impact Marquez's ability to defend his title, as noted by Checa in his analysis of the situation.

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âRight now, I would obviously bet on him and Ducati, because if there is someone who can go for Aprilia, it is him with Ducati, but we will have to wait a few more races.
âNow I canât say if Marc can really win the world championship this year. Itâs possible, but Iâm not absolutely sure now.â
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