In a surprising assessment, MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo completely dismisses Francesco Bagnaia’s potential to contend for the 2026 MotoGP world title alongside Marc Marquez.
The MotoGP Valencia Test, recently concluded at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain, on Wednesday (November 19, 2025), served as the unofficial kick-off for the 2026 competitive season. Even with the season still a long way off, predictions and analyses regarding potential frontrunners are already circulating widely, with Jorge Lorenzo offering his distinctive viewpoint.
As a former MotoGP rider, Lorenzo has identified four individuals he believes possess the strongest chance of dominating the premier class in the upcoming season. Topping his list is Marc Marquez, who remains a formidable favorite despite an early end to his 2025 campaign due to an injury sustained at Indonesia’s Mandalika Circuit.
The “Alien” is unequivocally deemed a top contender, bolstered by his commanding performance throughout the 2025 season, which saw him clinch the world championship. Marquez’s prowess was undeniable, as he secured his seventh premier class title with an impressive five races still remaining in the competition. Lorenzo maintains confidence that this season’s injury will not diminish Marquez’s immense talent and potential to claim back-to-back championships.
Much like the current season, Marquez is expected to face significant pressure from his own brother, Alex Marquez, who stands as a key rider for Gresini Racing. Lorenzo expressed his admiration for the 2019 Moto2 world champion, whose competitiveness remained strong until the final race of the season.
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During the same discussion, the three-time MotoGP world champion also included Marco Bezzecchi in his esteemed list of title candidates. The protégé of Valentino Rossi earned his spot after an outstanding debut season as a factory Aprilia rider. Bezzecchi impressively secured eight podium finishes, including three Grand Prix victories, culminating in a third-place ranking in the final 2025 standings.
The final name mentioned by Lorenzo is Pedro Acosta, the promising young rider from Red Bull KTM, who also demonstrates significant potential. Notably, Lorenzo chose to completely overlook Marc Marquez’s teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, despite Bagnaia concluding the MotoGP Valencia Test with a positive impression.
The 2022 and 2023 MotoGP world champion did not make Lorenzo’s list of title candidates, largely due to a disappointing performance in the 2025 season. Bagnaia concluded the competition in a distant fifth place in the final standings.
“The two riders who surprised me most this year? First Alex Marquez; he already showed his capabilities in pre-season,” Lorenzo stated, as quoted by AS. “He was immediately fast in 2024 at Montmelo (Barcelona).”
“Then Bezzecchi. Who would have thought he and Aprilia could adapt so well and win three races? Both of them truly surprised me.”
“However, you cannot discount the world champion (Marquez), nor can you overlook young prospects like Acosta,” he added. “Those four are the most promising for next season.”
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Summary
MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo has revealed his top contenders for the 2026 MotoGP world title, notably excluding Francesco Bagnaia from the list. Lorenzo identifies four riders with the strongest potential: Marc Marquez, who secured his seventh premier class title in 2025 despite an injury, along with his brother Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, and promising young rider Pedro Acosta. This assessment follows the MotoGP Valencia Test, which unofficially marked the start of the 2026 competitive season.
Marc Marquez is deemed a top favorite, having clinched the 2025 championship with five races remaining. Lorenzo also highlighted Alex Marquez’s consistent competitiveness and Marco Bezzecchi’s outstanding 2025 debut as an Aprilia factory rider, which saw him achieve eight podiums and three wins to finish third. Francesco Bagnaia, despite his past championships, was overlooked due to a disappointing 2025 season where he finished a distant fifth in the final standings.
