Marc Márquez’s MotoGP dominance under fire as Bulega blames ‘great bike’ for titles

Marc Márquez’s MotoGP titles face fresh scrutiny after Bulega’s ‘great bike’ claim

Marc Márquez’s MotoGP legacy is under fire after Ducati rider Niccolò Bulega suggested the Spaniard’s championships came only because of the Italian manufacturer’s superior machinery. Bulega’s remarks, made on 17 July 2026, have reignited debates over bike vs. rider skill in MotoGP.

What did Bulega say about Marc Márquez?

Bulega, who dominates the World Superbike Championship for Ducati’s factory team, told Motosan that Márquez’s MotoGP titles were possible only because of Ducati’s “great bike.” He added: “If a bike wins two consecutive titles, it can only be a great bike. Márquez also proved it: without a great bike, he couldn’t win again.”

The comments came just days after Bulega beat Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia and other MotoGP stars in Ducati’s “Race of Champions” at Misano on 13 July 2026. While MotoGP riders treated the event as a relaxed showcase, Bulega’s victory highlighted his growing confidence ahead of a 2027 MotoGP switch to the VR46 team.

Why Bulega’s words sting for Marc Márquez

Bulega’s jabs cut deep because they target the heart of Márquez’s post-2020 struggles. The Spaniard’s decline between 2020 and 2023 coincided with Honda’s plummeting competitiveness, forcing Márquez to adapt his approach. Bulega, however, praised Márquez’s strategic patience, noting: “To win a championship you have to accept difficult days. We’re seeing it now with Marc, Francesco and Takaaki.”

Márquez’s return to form this season-including a 10th Sachsenring win on 15 June 2026-proves his resilience. Yet Bulega’s barbs arrive as Márquez fights to reclaim his 2019 peak, while Ducati’s bike advantage remains the sport’s most debated topic.

Bulega’s own rise and MotoGP ambitions

Bulega, 24, has dominated World Superbike in 2026, winning 23 of 24 races-his only loss came at Donington on 6 July 2026. His Ducati bike prowess contrasts with his brief, underwhelming MotoGP cameo in 2025, when he scored just one point each in two races as a stand-in for an injured Márquez in Indonesia.

Now, Bulega is poised to join MotoGP full-time with VR46, a move that could reshape the paddock. His Ducati ties and vocal confidence make him a natural rival for Márquez, Bagnaia and Bagnaia’s Ducati teammate, Enea Bastianini.

What’s next for Marc Márquez and the title fight?

Márquez’s 2026 season hangs on Ducati’s machinery and his ability to outthink rivals like Bagnaia and Jorge Martín. Bulega’s rise adds pressure, but Márquez has thrived under scrutiny before.

The next flashpoint could come at the British GP on 4 August 2026. If Márquez falters, Bulega’s words may echo louder-but if he delivers, the “great bike” narrative could finally crack.