KTM's Pedro Acosta is confident that Marc Marquez will remain the rider to beat in the 2026 MotoGP season, despite his shoulder injury. Acosta believes Marquez's resilience and ability to bounce back from a five-year title drought are what make him a formidable competitor. He highlights Marquez's performance after his career-threatening arm injury at the 2020 Spanish Grand Prix, where he dominated the 2025 campaign, winning 11 grands prix and 14 sprints on his way to a seventh world title. Acosta also mentions that he has been working with ex-racer Carmelo Morales since last season, which has helped him take a significant mental step forward. This partnership has set the stage for a 'super team' in the 2026 MotoGP season. Acosta's confidence in Marquez is not just based on his past achievements but also on his belief in Marquez's ability to overcome challenges, even with an injury. This is a controversial statement, as some may argue that other riders like Marco Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez, and Pecco Bagnaia are also strong contenders for the championship. However, Acosta's perspective offers a unique insight into the sport, inviting discussion and debate among fans and experts alike.
