Marc Márquez will have to wait a little longer to secure the 2026 MotoGP world championship after finishing second at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday, November 8. Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi claimed victory at Lusail, while Jorge Martín's seventh-place finish ensured the championship battle remained mathematically open.

Márquez arrived in Qatar with an opportunity to clinch another premier-class title. However, the Spaniard could not complete the job as Bezzecchi controlled the 22-lap race, securing his sixth Grand Prix victory of the season.

The result leaves Márquez 60 points ahead of Martín, with 74 points still available across the remaining two rounds of the championship.

Bezzecchi dominates as Aprilia secures double podium

Bezzecchi produced an impressive response after crashing out of Saturday's Sprint. The Italian led every lap of Sunday's Grand Prix, keeping Márquez behind him throughout the race. He crossed the finish line 3.083 seconds ahead of the Ducati rider, while Aprilia teammate Raúl Fernández secured third place, completing a double podium for the manufacturer.

Ai Ogura finished fourth, followed by Enea Bastianini in fifth. Pedro Acosta took sixth place, while Martín collected valuable championship points in seventh. Bezzecchi's performance also strengthened Aprilia's position in the constructors' competition, underlining the manufacturer's progress during the 2026 season.

Why couldn't Marc Márquez win the championship in Qatar?

Márquez needed a specific combination of results to secure the title in Qatar. He had to win Sunday's Grand Prix, while Martín needed to finish outside the points. Neither outcome materialised. Bezzecchi took the victory, and Martín crossed the line seventh, preventing Márquez from building an unassailable advantage.

Despite missing the opportunity, Márquez remains firmly in control of the championship standings. His 60-point advantage means he can still secure the title at the next round.

Train, eat, sleep, repeat until Portimao. 💪 @marcmarquez93#QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/B6mkwsVNzq

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 8, 2026

Jorge Martín keeps championship hopes alive

Martín's seventh-place finish was particularly important given his recent injury problems. The Aprilia rider had been recovering from a fractured wrist sustained before the Qatar weekend. His nine points helped him remain mathematically in contention, although Márquez retains a substantial advantage heading into the final stages of the season.

The gap keeps increasing 📈 👀#QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/D3Esds1nIh

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 8, 2026

Portuguese GP could decide the 2026 MotoGP title

The championship now moves to the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão on November 22. Márquez will have another opportunity to secure the world championship, with the Sprint also offering a potential route to the title.

Bezzecchi's Qatar victory has delayed the celebrations, but Márquez remains the championship leader. With only two rounds remaining, the focus now shifts to Portugal, where the 2026 MotoGP title could finally be decided.