Marc Marquez sets clear 2026 target as eighth MotoGP title comes into focus

16:30, 19 Jan

byAndrew McLarney

Seven-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez reiterated his goals for the 2026 season with a clear target in mind. The reigning world champion is looking to equal the record set by Giacomo Agostini of winning eight premier class titles.

Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia recently took to the stage at Ducati's team launch event at Madonna di Campiglio ski resort in the Italian alps. The newest version of the Ducati Desmosedici GP26, or at least the livery that will adorn it, was unveiled at the high-tech event which also celebrated Ducati's centenary.

Speaking to the press after the event, Marquez was asked what his goals are for the 2026 season.

"We must fight for the title one more time," declared the Spaniard, "We have the pressure, I mean, if you're in the Duacti Lenovo team then you must fight for the championship and that is what we will try to do."

"For this result I'm working a lot this winter," he continued, "trying to be better, trying to recover in a good way and yeah, we are in a process. Yeah, the target is to fight for the world championship."

When asked then whether he had any extra motivation knowing that he would equal Agostini's championship record, Marc responded calmly and downplayed what an eighth premier class title might do for his legacy.

"For me the most difficult challenge of my career I've already done. That was to come back from a nightmare and yeah, last year we closed the cycle." He said, "Now of course we'll try to fight for championships because for that reason we are MotoGP riders - to fight and to be competitive, but if I arrive at some championship, welcome, if not then it will not be a disaster, but we'll try."

The comments come amid uncertainly around Marquez's future and whether or not he will retire at the end of the season, however team boss Davide Tardozzi was keen to emphasize the team's desire to renew Marc's contract.