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Why Marc Marquez has been urged to fear one fast-emerging challenger in 2026

Originally posted on HITC | By Ashley Hambly | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 2:58 PM ET

Marc Marquez cruised to his seventh MotoGP title this season without much in the way of real competition, but one rider could give him something to worry about in his title defence next year.

Marquez was miles ahead of the rest in his first season with the factory Ducati squad. It was his first serious title bid since 2019, and he left no doubt that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

But while Ducati have been on top for a while, it’s only a matter of time before others catch up – and that time could be soon. Other teams are already starting to close the gap.

Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi knows their advantage is shrinking. Next season, Marquez may not have things so easy when it comes to holding onto his title.

Oscar Haro: Pedro Acosta is the rider Marc Marquez should worry about

Pedro Acosta has emerged as one of the more promising riders this season, and while he’s still early in his MotoGP career, there’s already talk about him being a future title contender. The 21-year-old has caught plenty of attention with how quickly he’s adapted to life in the top tier.

Speaking to Nico Abad, via Motosan, former LCR director Oscar Haro explained why he believes Acosta could be Marquez’s main obstacle next season. “There are riders you can’t yet count on for the championship,” Haro said.

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“The only one I think worries Marc Marquez… I don’t think so, but the only one who worries him and rides the Honda like Marc does is Pedro Acosta. Marc has to fear Aprilia as a factory, and Acosta as a rider.”

While Acosta is confident he can challenge Marquez if given equal equipment, much will depend on whether KTM can provide a bike capable of keeping up with Ducati over an entire season.

The Spaniard is also still looking for his first premier class win – something that will go a long way towards building his case as a legitimate title threat.

Oscar Haro points to how Pedro Acosta has impacted Brad Binder’s time at KTM

Pedro Acosta’s progress in his second season has been hard to ignore, and one clear indicator is his record against Brad Binder within the KTM garage.

“Binder has been overtaken by the arrival of Pedro Acosta,” Haro added. “He’s better than the others, and it’s very difficult to accept that being Binder, just like Maverick and Bastianini.

Haro continued: “I give Acosta top marks, a 10 this year. He’s learned from his mistakes. He’s the only one who can hurt Marc Márquez and compete with him.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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