Marc Marquez overcame an early ride-height problem to beat Pedro Acosta at MotorLand Aragon, with Marco Bezzecchi completing the podium.
Marc Marquez won the 2026 Aragon Grand Prix for the Ducati Lenovo Team, defeating Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pedro Acosta after a fierce battle at MotorLand Aragon. Aprilia Racing rider Marco Bezzecchi placed third in round 13.
A launch goes wrong
Marquez launched well and passed polesitter Bezzecchi, but his rear ride-height device remained engaged on the approach to Turn 2. The Ducati hit the ground hard and sprayed sparks, sending Marquez back to third as the pack closed around him.
Heavy braking at Turn 5 finally disengaged the device.
Marquez fights back
With the Ducati restored to its normal configuration, Marquez started recovering lost ground. A tight fight unfolded through the opening half, as Acosta and Bezzecchi made the reigning world champion work for a result many had expected him to command.
The slipstream played a major role in the battle between Marquez and Bezzecchi, with Acosta still posing a direct threat. Marquez eventually took control at the front, then kept Acosta behind during the closing phase to claim Sunday’s victory.
Acosta presses the champion
Acosta secured second after pushing Marquez throughout their fight for the win. The KTM rider stayed within striking distance, but he couldn’t produce the final move needed to defeat the Ducati.
Bezzecchi turned pole position into third place. His Aprilia had led a record-breaking Q2 after a Friday session where just 0.038 seconds covered the leading three riders, but Marquez and Acosta moved past him in the Grand Prix.
Podium confirmed at MotorLand
- 1. Marc Marquez, Ducati Lenovo Team
- 2. Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- 3. Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Marquez added Sunday’s win to his Sprint victory on Saturday. He scored 37 points during the Aragon weekend despite the mechanical problem at the beginning of the Grand Prix.
Title race closes up
The victory moved Marquez into second place in the 2026 MotoGP standings. He departed MotorLand 19 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin, with 24 points covering the top three after round 13.
Nine rounds were still to come after Aragon, leaving over a third of the season on the schedule. Marquez, Martin and the third title contender will take that 24-point gap into the championship’s next phase.
