The 2026 MotoGP title fight is entering its closing phase with Marc Marquez two points behind Jorge Martin. That gap was unchanged after the Indonesian Grand Prix, despite Mandalika proving a difficult weekend for Marc and Ducati. Marc won the sprint but finished sixth in the main race, while Martin took fourth in the sprint and third in the Grand Prix.

Alex Marquez described the outcome as a 22-point draw between the two title contenders. In his view, his brother avoided a much heavier setback at a circuit that has not suited him, although the weekend was hardly the result Marc would have wanted. With five rounds left, the championship remains open and the next sequence of venues could quickly reshape the contest.

Three circuits could test the balance

Portimao is the only one of the five remaining circuits where Marc Marquez has not won. Phillip Island, Sepang, Lusail and Ricardo Tormo in Valencia have been more favourable venues for him in the past. Alex Marquez expects Aprilia to be particularly competitive in Australia, Qatar and Portimao, leaving Marc reliant on the special ability that has kept him in the title fight.

Team strategy may also become more significant. Aprilia has two riders inside the top three of the standings, with Marco Bezzecchi 46 points behind Martin and five rounds remaining. The team has left open the possibility of using team orders to support Martin’s title challenge, but intends to wait a few more rounds before making that call.

Alex Marquez expects a similar discussion to emerge at Ducati at some point, although he considers any action premature for now. Four riders have shown that they can fight for race wins, so both the championship balance and the teams’ strategic choices may continue to change as the season reaches its decisive stages.