{"id":1870613,"date":"2026-04-07T10:54:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T07:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1870613"},"modified":"2026-04-07T10:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T07:54:51","slug":"scary-marco-bezzecchi-motogp-warning-issued-as-saturday-issues-contrast-sunday-dominance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1870613","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>&#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Aprilia say Marco Bezzecchi will be \u201cscary\u201d once he replicates Sunday form in the Sprints. This is the Sprint\/GP points Sprint for the 2026 MotoGP grid so far\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-07T17:24:57+00:00\">Updated: 07 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Bezzecchi, Acosta, Martin, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A perfect Sunday score of 75 points has carried Marco Bezzecchi into the MotoGP World Championship lead after the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s been a very different situation on Saturdays, where the factory Aprilia rider is only ranked tenth-best for Sprint points this season.<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi has scored just six out of a possible 36 points after crashing from the early Sprint lead in Buriram, then again while chasing Pecco Bagnaia for victory at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Those mistakes cost Bezzecchi a potential 24 points and mean his only Sprint score came from a fourth place in Goiania.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarco was perfect again on Sunday; we just need to fix Saturday,\u201d Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola acknowledged at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cHe&#8217;s the Sunday man but as soon as he also becomes the Saturday man, it will definitely be scary,\u201d Rivola added.<\/p>\n<p>Had Bezzecchi secured at least seven out of those 24 \u2018lost\u2019 Saturday points, he would have set a record for most points from the opening three rounds of the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e3a5cb4509f8d9ce36da567dec350a09e91959db5a2bbbbbbbc1a902b0c31413\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>MotoGP world championship leader after three rounds (Sprint era):<\/h2>\n<p><em>2026: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi <\/strong>(Aprilia) <strong>81 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2025: <strong>Alex Marquez <\/strong>(Ducati) <strong>87 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2024: <strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong> (Ducati) <strong>80 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2023: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong> (Ducati)<strong> 64 points<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By contrast, Bezzecchi\u2019s team-mate Jorge Martin &#8211; MotoGP\u2019s most successful Sprint rider &#8211; has been the highest scoring \u2018Saturday\u2019 rider so far with 24 points, headlined by a debut Aprilia victory in COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9b981722185c2b125d0aba52e1df34795615bbe6f78f35154facc72c601237da\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite crashing in Texas, reigning champion Marc Marquez would still have matched Martin\u2019s Sprint points total without the penalty in Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez sits three places higher in the Sprint rankings than his overall riders\u2019 championship position with factory Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia also performing better on Saturdays, ranking four places higher in Sprint points than in the actual standings.<\/p>\n<p>KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta (third) and Gresini\u2019s Alex Marquez (eighth) are the only riders in the world championship top ten to hold the same respective position for Sprint scores:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Sprint only points (max. 36)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Sprint Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Grand Prix only points<\/h2>\n<p>Six of the top eight riders in grand prix only points mirror the overall championship order, with only Marc Marquez and Raul Fernandez swapping places.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The biggest discrepancy is for Bagnaia, who ranks only twelfth for Sunday points but sits ninth in the overall standings thanks to his Saturday form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Grand Prix only points (max. 75)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>GP Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>53<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marco Bezzecchi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jorge Martin<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">MotoGP<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Honda\u2019s 850cc MotoGP bike back on track at Sepang?<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1283211_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> The golden opportunity MotoGP must seize with its reserve rider proposal<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1286802_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-5d2017d91dd05c8435a1a8126d8f25fd9ff44bc129508444487c6d65b5689fea\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-ac82231656b300a0a61b8c88f68362aae94b64ae937eef221e1d5857d1fbed26\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775203200\"> 03\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299770_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, Aprilia, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP manufacturers \u201chappy\u201d after crunch Liberty meeting, 2027 rider deals imminent?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775059194\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304360_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Start, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775054154\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302925_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Martin, Bagnaia, Acosta, 2026 US MotoGP Sprint.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia hails Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s \u201cchampion\u201d response: A \u201cgreat sign\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775037712\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304447_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi,2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Aprilia plans to manage Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin in MotoGP title fight<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774956223\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303912_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Matin, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia boss&#8217; &#8220;blood ran cold&#8221; after heartbreak US MotoGP retirement<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774878995\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1304404_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ai Ogura, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Aprilia say Marco Bezzecchi will be \u201cscary\u201d once he replicates Sunday form in the Sprints. This is the Sprint\/GP points Sprint for the 2026 MotoGP grid so far\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A perfect Sunday score of 75 points has carried Marco Bezzecchi into the MotoGP World Championship lead after the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s been a very different situation on Saturdays, where the factory Aprilia rider is only ranked tenth-best for Sprint points this season.<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi has scored just six out of a possible 36 points after crashing from the early Sprint lead in Buriram, then again while chasing Pecco Bagnaia for victory at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Those mistakes cost Bezzecchi a potential 24 points and mean his only Sprint score came from a fourth place in Goiania.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarco was perfect again on Sunday; we just need to fix Saturday,\u201d Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola acknowledged at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cHe&#8217;s the Sunday man but as soon as he also becomes the Saturday man, it will definitely be scary,\u201d Rivola added.<\/p>\n<p>Had Bezzecchi secured at least seven out of those 24 \u2018lost\u2019 Saturday points, he would have set a record for most points from the opening three rounds of the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e3a5cb4509f8d9ce36da567dec350a09e91959db5a2bbbbbbbc1a902b0c31413\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>MotoGP world championship leader after three rounds (Sprint era):<\/h2>\n<p><em>2026: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi <\/strong>(Aprilia) <strong>81 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2025: <strong>Alex Marquez <\/strong>(Ducati) <strong>87 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2024: <strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong> (Ducati) <strong>80 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2023: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong> (Ducati)<strong> 64 points<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By contrast, Bezzecchi\u2019s team-mate Jorge Martin &#8211; MotoGP\u2019s most successful Sprint rider &#8211; has been the highest scoring \u2018Saturday\u2019 rider so far with 24 points, headlined by a debut Aprilia victory in COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9b981722185c2b125d0aba52e1df34795615bbe6f78f35154facc72c601237da\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite crashing in Texas, reigning champion Marc Marquez would still have matched Martin\u2019s Sprint points total without the penalty in Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez sits three places higher in the Sprint rankings than his overall riders\u2019 championship position with factory Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia also performing better on Saturdays, ranking four places higher in Sprint points than in the actual standings.<\/p>\n<p>KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta (third) and Gresini\u2019s Alex Marquez (eighth) are the only riders in the world championship top ten to hold the same respective position for Sprint scores:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Sprint only points (max. 36)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Sprint Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Grand Prix only points<\/h2>\n<p>Six of the top eight riders in grand prix only points mirror the overall championship order, with only Marc Marquez and Raul Fernandez swapping places.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The biggest discrepancy is for Bagnaia, who ranks only twelfth for Sunday points but sits ninth in the overall standings thanks to his Saturday form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Grand Prix only points (max. 75)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>GP Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>53<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>A perfect Sunday score of 75 points has carried Marco Bezzecchi into the MotoGP World Championship lead after the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s been a very different situation on Saturdays, where the factory Aprilia rider is only ranked tenth-best for Sprint points this season.<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi has scored just six out of a possible 36 points after crashing from the early Sprint lead in Buriram, then again while chasing Pecco Bagnaia for victory at COTA.<\/p>\n<p>Those mistakes cost Bezzecchi a potential 24 points and mean his only Sprint score came from a fourth place in Goiania.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMarco was perfect again on Sunday; we just need to fix Saturday,\u201d Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola acknowledged at COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cHe&#8217;s the Sunday man but as soon as he also becomes the Saturday man, it will definitely be scary,\u201d Rivola added.<\/p>\n<p>Had Bezzecchi secured at least seven out of those 24 \u2018lost\u2019 Saturday points, he would have set a record for most points from the opening three rounds of the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e3a5cb4509f8d9ce36da567dec350a09e91959db5a2bbbbbbbc1a902b0c31413\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>MotoGP world championship leader after three rounds (Sprint era):<\/h2>\n<p><em>2026: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi <\/strong>(Aprilia) <strong>81 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2025: <strong>Alex Marquez <\/strong>(Ducati) <strong>87 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2024: <strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong> (Ducati) <strong>80 points<\/strong>.<\/em><br \/><em>2023: <strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong> (Ducati)<strong> 64 points<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304066_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By contrast, Bezzecchi\u2019s team-mate Jorge Martin &#8211; MotoGP\u2019s most successful Sprint rider &#8211; has been the highest scoring \u2018Saturday\u2019 rider so far with 24 points, headlined by a debut Aprilia victory in COTA.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-9b981722185c2b125d0aba52e1df34795615bbe6f78f35154facc72c601237da\">  One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening   The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite crashing in Texas, reigning champion Marc Marquez would still have matched Martin\u2019s Sprint points total without the penalty in Buriram.<\/p>\n<p>Marquez sits three places higher in the Sprint rankings than his overall riders\u2019 championship position with factory Ducati team-mate Pecco Bagnaia also performing better on Saturdays, ranking four places higher in Sprint points than in the actual standings.<\/p>\n<p>KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta (third) and Gresini\u2019s Alex Marquez (eighth) are the only riders in the world championship top ten to hold the same respective position for Sprint scores:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Sprint only points (max. 36)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>Sprint Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Grand Prix only points<\/h2>\n<p>Six of the top eight riders in grand prix only points mirror the overall championship order, with only Marc Marquez and Raul Fernandez swapping places.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The biggest discrepancy is for Bagnaia, who ranks only twelfth for Sunday points but sits ninth in the overall standings thanks to his Saturday form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-overflow\">\n<table class=\"crash-report\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\">\n<h2>MotoGP 2026: Grand Prix only points (max. 75)<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pos<\/td>\n<td>W.C. Pos<\/td>\n<td>Name<\/td>\n<td>Bike<\/td>\n<td>GP Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marco Bezzecchi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td><strong>Jorge Martin<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>53<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pedro Acosta<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio di Giannantonio<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>39<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td><strong>Raul Fernandez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td><strong>Marc Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td><strong>Ai Ogura<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aprilia<\/td>\n<td>22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Marquez<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td><strong>Luca Marini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td><strong>Enea Bastianini<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td><strong>Franco Morbidelli<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td><strong>Pecco Bagnaia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<td><strong>Brad Binder<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>KTM<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td>14<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fermin Aldeguer<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Ducati<\/td>\n<td>13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td>15<\/td>\n<td><strong>Johann Zarco<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td><strong>Diogo Moreira<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Honda<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td><strong>Alex Rins<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>17<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fabio Quartararo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td><strong>Toprak Razgatlioglu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>20<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<td><strong>Joan Mir<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yamaha<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/feature\/1092895\/1\/scary-marco-bezzecchi-motogp-warning-issued-saturday-issues-contrast&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304182_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance Aprilia say Marco Bezzecchi will be \u201cscary\u201d once he replicates Sunday form in the Sprints. This is the Sprint\/GP points Sprint for the 2026 MotoGP grid so far\u2026 Peter McLaren Updated: 07 Apr 2026 Share Bezzecchi, Acosta, Martin, 2026 US [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1870613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1870613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1870613"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1870613\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1870613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1870613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1870613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}