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Andrea Dovizioso warns that Marc Marquez has a slim chance of winning the 2026 MotoGP title after suffering another injury setback. Currently, Marquez is 71 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi and will miss the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
Andrea Dovizioso has weighed in on Marc Marquezâs title defence chances after the Ducati rider suffered another injury setback.
Marquezâs 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.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
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 heâs ever overcome to win a title is 37 points, so itâs hard to see how he could claw his way back from the position heâs in now.
âIn my opinion, yes, because apart from his physical limitations and the fact that we canât know when heâll be back, or if heâll return in good shape.
âAlso, to what extent his own feelings, the bike, and the competition will be up to scratch right now. Itâs the Aprilias heâs up against. Thereâs a gap that, if heâs in good shape, he might be able to close a little bit, as they say.
âBut the fact remains that the Aprilias are going strong right now. Theyâve been strong in all conditions on all tracks. When you already have two riders who are battling it out for the championship, itâs almost impossible, in my opinion.â
Marc Marquez is currently 71 points behind the championship leader, Marco Bezzecchi, after five rounds.
Missing the Catalan Grand Prix could widen Marquez's points gap, significantly diminishing his chances of defending his title.
Marc Marquez has suffered another injury setback that has raised concerns about his ability to compete effectively in the 2026 season.

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Marc Marquez has had his fair share of injuries in recent years, and the last thing he needs is to rush back too soon and risk making things even worse.
Heâs no stranger to pushing his recovery timeline, and MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley mentioned that he wouldnât be shocked if Marquez turned up at Barcelona looking to get back on track sooner than expected.
But Max Biaggi has urged Marquez not to rush this time, telling him it wonât do him any good in the long run. The Grand Prix legend suggested that waiting until the Italian Grand Prix might be the wiser move.
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