Pedro Acosta scored his fifth podium of the 2026 MotoGP season with a breathtaking ride at the San Marino MotoGP Grand Prix, fighting through from sixth on the grid to claim third at Misano.
The 22-year-old was less than pleased with sixth place in Saturday’s Sprint, citing issues with turning his KTM RC16 through Misano’s series of tight corners. However, set-up changes allowed the Spaniard to show his best form in Sunday’s 27-lap MotoGP race.
Acosta passed former championship leader Jorge Martin on lap 12 before closing in on Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez in the final stages. The KTM rider ultimately secured the final podium position to continue his impressive 2026 MotoGP campaign.
Acosta’s delight was not quite matched by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team-mate Brad Binder. The South African launched a late attack to finish 11th, although it was a strong recovery from 19th on the grid.
Marc Marquez takes MotoGP World Championship lead
Marc Marquez claimed his fifth MotoGP victory of the season – and his fifth win in the last seven Grands Prix – in a result which could prove decisive in the 2026 MotoGP title fight.
Sunday’s MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix had initially been expected to produce a battle between reigning World Champion Marquez and pole sitter Marco Bezzecchi.
Bezzecchi made the stronger start, beating Marquez into Turn 1 and immediately looked to establish an early advantage. However, the Italian pushed too hard and crashed spectacularly at Turn 13, dealing a major blow to his MotoGP championship hopes.
Marquez appeared to have a clear path to victory after Bezzecchi’s retirement, but Jorge Martin briefly moved to the front before the Ducati rider regained control.
Once both Marquez brothers had passed the remaining factory Aprilia rider on lap 14, Alex Marquez continued to push his brother hard during the closing laps. He eventually crossed the line just 0.6 seconds behind Marc, securing second place in a dramatic Misano MotoGP finish.
Aprilia suffers major disappointment at Misano
Much was expected from Aprilia at its home MotoGP race, particularly after Marco Bezzecchi secured pole position.
Even after Bezzecchi’s first-lap crash, Jorge Martin appeared capable of taking on the role of Marc Marquez’s chief challenger. However, his challenge faded as he struggled with tyre wear and a lack of front-end feeling.
The Aprilia rider eventually finished fifth, one place behind rookie Fermin Aldeguer, and surrendered his position at the top of the MotoGP World Championship standings.
Bezzecchi now faces the need for an immediate response at next week’s Austrian Grand Prix as he looks to halt the momentum of Marquez and Ducati in the 2026 MotoGP title battle.
MotoGP title fight tightens after Misano
Marc Marquez’s victory at the MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix has significantly tightened the championship battle.
For the first time in 2026, Marquez tops the MotoGP World Championship standings, although he is level on 274 points with former leader Jorge Martin. Marco Bezzecchi remains firmly in contention, sitting 33 points behind the leading pair on 241 points.
With three riders separated by just 33 points, the 2026 MotoGP title fight remains wide open.
There is little rest for the MotoGP paddock, with teams and riders now heading straight to the Red Bull Ring for next weekend’s Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix, which gets underway in just five days.
