Approaching the end of the MotoGP 2026 season: Who are the winners and losers?

The MotoGP campaign continues in Asia, leaving Europe behind. After the last two races, there is a week's break before continuing the races on the other side of the world. The next Grand Prix is set for Phillip Island. While the Australian GP is expected to continue, races from 2027 onwards will take place at Adelaide City Park instead of the MotoGP Island. Following the Malaysia GP in Kuala Lumpur, there is a planned progression towards the desert of Qatar. Although the possibility of races in Losail is debated due to political conditions, the calendar is fixed for the 20th. Italy will conclude with the Portimão and Valencia events in Europe. It is unlikely that the World Championship title for 2026 will be decided before the final, given the current season's progression.

Championship Races and Leadership Changes

There have been seven table changes in the MotoGP standings; two of these occurred during the Indonesian GP in Lombok. The first round of 2026 was noteworthy, especially from Österreicher's perspective. Pedro Acosta and KTM first moved into the World Championship standings. The young Spaniard, who started in the podium positions, became the most successful MotoGP rider, even without a GP victory. Despite technical difficulties, Acosta did not lose speed or motivation and secured podium positions throughout the races. Although finishing fifth behind Ai Ogura in Indonesia, number 37 was champion. Jorge Martin provides a sporting advantage. There is no controversy regarding the current leader, Jorge Martin. Martin, who was ahead by two points, experienced a surprising comeback. The fact that the person who was tipped for World Champion a year ago returned to the top spot this year was one of the biggest headlines in the World Championship. Success depends on consistency. While rivals Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi created large gaps, Martin scored zero in both of his two races in Barcelona. Despite last year's failures and comments about his career end, he became the favorite this year. This was one of the biggest headlines in the World Championship. Surprises from Marc Marquez also made headlines. Marquez winning a race and taking the World Championship lead indicates a favorite for the 2026 champion. This will be a MotoGP record.

World Championship Races and Performances

Marco Bezzecchi, who was third in the World Championship standings, experienced both happiness and severe defeats. Although he won a victory in Indonesia, he fell 46 points behind Marquez and Martin. This position was a position held by the rider for a long time. Bezzecchi won after second place in the two GP victories, fourth place in Catalunya, and a victory ahead of the excited fans in Mugello at Le Mans. However, mistakes at Assen and Sachsenring reduced his race performance. Following these mistakes, his teammate, the World Championship favorite, dropped to ninth place. The possibility of six riders changing positions in the Indonesian GP and this continuing is present. A total of 185 World Championship points must still be distributed, and the comeback of the fifth-place rider, Jorge Martin, puts him approximately 100 points ahead of the biggest winner of 2026.

Declines in Performance

Francesco Bagnaia also shows a negative trend. After a good start in the second half of last year, he consistently dropped to fifth place in 2026. Bagnaiaia's performance is indescribably unsatisfactory. Scoring only 13 points in the first five GP races in the World Championship, followed by third place in the next four races, is noteworthy. However, instead of a trend change, number 63 dropped to the midfield. Following an accident in Indonesia, his teammate, the World Championship favorite, dropped to ninth place in the overall standings. The possibility of six riders changing positions in the Indonesian GP and this continuing is present. A total of 185 World Championship points must still be distributed, and the comeback of the fifth-place rider, Jorge Martin, puts him approximately 100 points ahead of the biggest winner of 2026.

Figures

• Pedro Acosta is racing in fifth place with 258 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
• Archive: Reaction to Pedro Acosta's strong reaction to the tire pressure rule in MotoGP: "We looked like donkeys!" (October 12, 2026)

Compiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz