Despite being declared rivals for the title, the Márquez brothers remain united: "My brother is my best friend."

In front of a crowd of 20,000 fans, the drivers of MotoGP They paraded one by one in Kuala Lumpur for the grand launch party of the 2026 season in the Malaysian capital. Naturally, the reigning champions, the Ducati factory team riders, brought up the rear, arriving on their GP26s to the stage, where they were accompanied by Gigi Dall'Igna, Managing Director of Ducati Corse.

While smiles were the order of the day for Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Márquez, it was the Spaniard, seven-time world champion in the premier class, who won the applause. Seeking an eighth title that would cement his place in motorsport history, the Cervera native indulged in a touch of sentimentality before refocusing on his objective. "For me, the most important thing is to make people feel things." assures Márquez. “I’ve had some very difficult years recently, but last year I joined this Ducati team with an incredible bike. I managed to become world champion again. Now we’re enjoying it, but this year we’re going to try to fight again against my teammate, my brother, and several other riders.”

The chemistry between the Márquez brothers remains as strong as ever, despite their new sporting rivalry. While Álex had never been on the same level as his older brother since his MotoGP debut in 2017, he took an impressive leap forward in 2025, winning a Grand Prix and finishing the season as runner-up in the world championship, securing an unprecedented Márquez one-two finish. Their close relationship also allows them to support each other, a significant advantage in a world where riders often feel quite isolated.

“One of my strengths is having a brother who is also on the MotoGP grid. I can learn from him, he can learn from me, we can help each other…” Marc Márquez analysis. “Not on a technical level, because we have our respective teams for that, but more on a human level. What’s important is that I’m never alone. We travel together to the four corners of the world. He’s my brother, my best friend, and one of the best drivers on the grid. It’s great to be able to share these moments with him.”

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Although he shares his elder's feelings, Álex Márquez does not intend to give him any gifts on the track and fully intends to win his first title at the end of the season."I think we have all the ingredients to be world champions," promises the pilot Gresini. "I'm in what is, for me, the best team on the grid, and we have the best bike." (the Ducati Desmosedici GP26, like Marc Márquez's, Ed.)“We have everything we need to make it happen. I’ll try, but it won’t be easy to fight against the factory team, especially against Marc,” Álex continued. “He’s a very complete rider, very difficult to beat. But I’ll do my best! I’ll try to start the season in the best possible way. If there are opportunities, chances to become champion, of course I’ll seize them.”

A great duel is on the cards, with Francesco Bagnaia potentially officiating. If the Italian can rediscover his form after a disappointing 2025 season, he could become a serious contender, worthy of his status as a two-time world champion. "I'm going to do my best to make life more difficult for Marc this year!" Pecco smiled. “We had very good pre-season testing, it was important to feel that performance again. I’m looking forward to going to Buriram (Thailand) and getting back on the bike.” »

Buriram will be the next stop for the MotoGP paddock after this celebratory evening in Kuala Lumpur, kicking off a season that already promises to be particularly exciting. The first Grand Prix will take place on March 1st in Thailand.

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