Marc Márquez's title party is on hold: here's the maths after Qatar

Márquez couldn't seal his eighth world title in Qatar. Here's what he needs from the last two MotoGP rounds in Portugal and Valencia, and what Jorge Martín needs.

9 Nov 2026, 21:001 min read

Marc Márquez in Ducati red leans his bike through a corner during the MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix. — Image: elDiario.es

Marc Márquez came to Qatar with a first chance to wrap up his eighth world title. He leaves without the trophy, but with the championship still firmly in his hands.

What happened in Qatar?

Marco Bezzecchi dominated the whole weekend and delayed the Spaniard's celebration. Jorge Martín also played his part: he raced and scored points, finishing second. Spain's Raúl Fernández completed the podium, a big weekend for Aprilia, whose step forward is now clear.

Bezzecchi is still mathematically alive in the fight, though his chances are slim.

What does Márquez need now?

Two rounds remain in 2026, with a maximum of 74 points still on the table. A full weekend is worth 37: 12 for winning the sprint and 25 for the Sunday race.

Martín is currently 60 points behind. That means Márquez only needs 15 more points to be champion, whatever his closest rival does. His first chance comes in Portugal, in two weeks.

The Ducati rider depends only on himself. If he doesn't get it done at Portimão, Valencia is the final chance.

And what about Martín?

He fractured his wrist at Phillip Island (Australia) just two weeks ago. Even so, he completed the Qatar weekend and is still in the fight.

For Martín to win the title, he needs to win everything in Portugal and Valencia. Márquez would also have to crash out or score nothing in a full weekend.

The Spaniard won his seventh premier-class crown in 2025 with Ducati, after years of injuries. An eighth is now very close.