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

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.”

Marquez said he needs to be patient with the latest injury

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.

He’s no stranger to pushing his recovery timeline, and MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley mentioned that he wouldn’t 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 won’t 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.