MotoGP Australian GP 2026: Bezzecchi Leads Aprilia as Marquez and Martin Fight for the Title

MotoGP's title fight could not be any closer. Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin arrive at the Australian Grand Prix separated by just two points, with only five rounds remaining. And this weekend carries extra emotion: it is MotoGP's final race at Phillip Island.

Aprilia Sets the Pace

Marco Bezzecchi topped Friday Practice with a blistering 1m26.775s, leading an Aprilia 1-2-4-5. Raul Fernandez on the satellite Trackhouse Aprilia was second, less than a tenth behind. Bezzecchi arrived fresh off his win in Indonesia two weeks ago, and Aprilia looks like the manufacturer to beat on this flowing, high-speed track.

Marquez made a late move to top the opening practice session, so Ducati is far from out of it.

A Wild Friday

It was not a quiet day at Phillip Island:

• Bezzecchi and Alex Marquez collided in the opening minutes of practice into Turn 3, the corner named after Australian legend Casey Stoner. Alex Marquez said Bezzecchi "miscalculated" his move.
• A wallaby wandered onto the circuit and caused a red flag. Only in Australia.

The Title Fight: Marquez vs. Martin

The championship has become a two-rider battle between Spaniards:

• Jorge Martin (Aprilia) has built his challenge on consistency.
• Marc Marquez (Ducati) has relied on raw speed, clawing back a 102-point deficit despite a shoulder injury earlier in the year.

The mind games are in full swing. After following Martin out of the pits in Indonesia qualifying, Marquez said, "If you're fast, you don't need team orders." He has also praised his rival as "an incredible talent" whose strength is that "he just attacks."

Marquez admits Phillip Island suits Aprilia, but says he wants to get "as close to 37 points as possible," the maximum available from a sprint and race win.

Marquez Talks Retirement

In an extensive interview, Marquez put the chances of retiring when his next Ducati contract expires at 70 percent, and said he will do so "a free man" regardless of how many more titles he wins.

Farewell, Phillip Island

Riders have spoken emotionally about losing one of their favorite tracks. "It will be so sad," several said. From next year, the Australian Grand Prix moves to a revamped Adelaide street circuit.

Riders also asked for guarantees before traveling to race in Qatar later in the season.

Follow the title fight in our MotoGP coverage, and for four-wheeled title drama, read about Kimi Antonelli's F1 championship chase.

Related reading: Elfyn Evans, the new world rally champion.