Marc Marquez left Misano at the top of the 2026 MotoGP standings for the first time, but Ducati is not treating the lead as a decisive advantage. The seven-time world champion completed a second straight double at the San Marino Grand Prix and claimed his fifth main-race win of the campaign.

Marquez and Jorge Martin are tied on points. Marquez nevertheless leads because he has five victories to Martin’s one. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi crashed, while an arm-pump problem left Martin fifth at Misano. The result completed Marquez’s recovery from a 102-point deficit after the Italian Grand Prix in May.

Why Ducati is keeping the pressure on

Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi said eight races and many points remained in play. He also expects Aprilia to have the advantage at some circuits. His stated plan is pragmatic: collect the maximum possible points when Ducati is not the fastest, then push harder for wins when the bike and circuit provide a stronger opportunity.

Tardozzi said there were no favourites at this stage and that the championship would be decided at the end. He added that Ducati trusts Marquez in every situation, while the rider can sometimes show the team which direction to take. Ducati also leads Aprilia by two points in the constructors’ championship after the Misano round.

Marquez described the championship lead as unreal in view of the injury difficulties he has faced during 2026. The riders are level on points, Ducati’s constructors’ advantage is only two points and eight races remain. Those figures leave little basis for complacency, despite Marquez’s recent run of results.