Is this the end of an era? Andrea Dovizioso warns Marc Marquez has slim chance of the 2026 MotoGP crown

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Andrea Dovizioso has weighed in on Marc Marquez’s title defence chances after the Ducati rider suffered another injury setback.

Marquez’s slow start to the 2026 MotoGP season had already cast doubt over his chances, and now another spell on the sidelines could end any remaining hopes.

After five rounds, Marquez is 71 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi. And with Marquez set to miss the Catalan Grand Prix, that gap could be even wider by the time he returns.

Although Jorge Martin still sees Marquez as a main title threat despite his current absence, others around the paddock are starting to think differently.

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Dovizioso doesn’t see Marquez as a title threat after latest setback

Speaking on his podcast, the 15-time Grand Prix winner was asked if he believes Marquez can still challenge for the championship this year.

The biggest deficit he’s ever overcome to win a title is 37 points, so it’s hard to see how he could claw his way back from the position he’s in now.

“In my opinion, yes, because apart from his physical limitations and the fact that we can’t know when he’ll be back, or if he’ll return in good shape.

“Also, to what extent his own feelings, the bike, and the competition will be up to scratch right now. It’s the Aprilias he’s up against. There’s a gap that, if he’s in good shape, he might be able to close a little bit, as they say.

“But the fact remains that the Aprilias are going strong right now. They’ve been strong in all conditions on all tracks. When you already have two riders who are battling it out for the championship, it’s almost impossible, in my opinion.”