Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi arrive at Misano separated by 24 points as MotoGP begins Round 14.
MotoGP’s top three title contenders arrive at the San Marino Grand Prix separated by 24 points. Jorge Martin leads the championship at Misano after Marc Marquez tightened the battle with victory in Aragon.
Round 14 of the 2026 season begins Friday, September 11.
Marquez arrives with fresh momentum
Marquez won the Aragon Grand Prix on Sunday, August 30, ahead of Pedro Acosta and Marco Bezzecchi. The result gave him his eighth premier-class victory at MotorLand Aragon.
The Ducati rider climbed to second in the standings, bringing the leading trio within 24 points. Martin held onto first place despite a difficult weekend. Bezzecchi kept himself in contention by finishing third.
Misano offers the next chance to score points, with nine rounds remaining on the schedule entering the San Marino weekend.
Aprilia returns to familiar ground
Martin and Bezzecchi lead Aprilia’s title bid at the Italian manufacturer’s home round. The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is roughly 90 miles from Aprilia’s Noale base.
It is a home event for Ducati as well, and Marquez will look to continue the recovery that has carried him to second in the championship.
The title picture has shifted quickly. Marquez has substantially reduced a 102-point deficit over the course of the season, and his Aragon victory put him directly between Martin and Bezzecchi in the standings.
Viñales ruled out once more
Maverick Viñales won’t race at Misano.
Pol Espargaro will take his place at Tech3 KTM as Viñales continues to recover. It will be Espargaro’s third appearance of the 2026 season.
The team confirmed the substitution on Thursday, September 4, before preparations for Misano began. The announcement did not include a return date for Viñales.
Round 14 gets underway Friday
Practice starts the San Marino Grand Prix weekend on Friday, September 11. Qualifying and the sprint are set for Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Grand Prix at Misano.
Martin enters the weekend leading the championship. Marquez sits second, with Bezzecchi completing a top three separated by 24 points.
