Jorge Martin has admitted the 2026 MotoGP championship battle is far more competitive than many expected, with Ducati's recent resurgence turning what once looked like an Aprilia-controlled season into a tightly contested title fight.
Aprilia began the campaign as the clear benchmark, with Martin and teammate Marco Bezzecchi establishing themselves as the riders to beat. Their early-season performances led many to predict a championship duel between the two factory Aprilia riders.
However, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly in recent weeks. Ducati has found stronger form during the European phase of the season, winning four of the last six races and re-emerging as a genuine championship contender.
The Italian manufacturer's progress was highlighted at the Czech Grand Prix, where it secured a dominant result and further reduced the gap to the championship leaders.
A key figure in Ducati's resurgence has been Marc Marquez. After appearing to fall out of title contention earlier in the season, the Spaniard has revived his campaign with consecutive victories in Hungary and the Czech Republic. His recent performances have moved him firmly back into the championship conversation.
Despite Aprilia still occupying the top positions in the standings, the margins have become increasingly narrow. Bezzecchi leads Martin by eight points, while Fabio di Giannantonio and Marquez remain within striking distance.
Source: Motorsport.com
Martin believes the current championship picture is a more accurate reflection of the competitive balance between Aprilia and Ducati.
Reflecting on Aprilia's dominant victory at Le Mans earlier in the season and its more recent struggles, Martin said neither manufacturer held a decisive advantage. He noted that Ducati had always been closer than results may have suggested and now sees both bikes performing at a similar level.
The reigning champion welcomed the closer competition, saying it should create an exciting battle for the remainder of the season.
The Czech Grand Prix proved particularly difficult for Martin. Carrying a double long-lap penalty from the previous round in Hungary, he struggled to find his usual pace throughout the weekend. After progressing through Q1, he qualified only 10th and faced an uphill challenge in both races.
He eventually finished fifth and ninth, while Ducati capitalised on Aprilia's difficulties with a strong overall performance.
Martin admitted that both he and the team are currently searching for answers, particularly regarding front-end confidence. The Spaniard said he has struggled to trust the front of the bike in recent races, making it difficult to ride at his usual level.
Despite the setbacks, Martin remains optimistic that upcoming circuits could better suit Aprilia's strengths. With several rounds still remaining and the championship battle tightening, he expects the fight for the title to remain open deep into the season.
What once appeared to be a straightforward Aprilia campaign has evolved into a multi-rider championship battle, with Ducati's resurgence and Marquez's return to form adding a new layer of intrigue to the fight for MotoGP's biggest prize.
