Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 MotoGP World Championship
Round 14
Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera
Sunday 13 September, 14:00
The 2026 MotoGP World Championship heads to Italy for Round 14, with the Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera set for Misano on Sunday 13 September at 14:00.
Few riders will arrive with more confidence than Marco Bezzecchi, despite the Aprilia star slipping to third in the championship after the latest round at Aragon. Bezzecchi produced a superb weekend in Spain, taking pole position and finishing on the podium in both the Sprint and Grand Prix as Aprilia continued to underline its strength across the 2026 campaign.
Bezzecchi led the opening laps at Aragon but quickly realised he lacked the pace to keep Marc Marquez behind him. He nevertheless attempted to make life difficult for the reigning champion when Marquez made his move for the lead on lap six.
“I tried to open a gap, but I knew that Marc was going to come back,” Bezzecchi admitted. “Honestly, I wanted to make his life a little bit harder, also for Pedro, but I lost both places in a couple of seconds!”
The battle produced one of the most dramatic moments of the race, with Bezzecchi and Marquez running almost side-by-side at more than 300km/h down the back straight. Aerodynamic turbulence played its part, with Bezzecchi explaining that the air between the two bikes became unpredictable.
“I wanted to move away from him, but sometimes I was coming closer,” he said. “Then I was a bit too much on the left [of the track], so I had to brake a little bit earlier, and in that moment, Pedro came from the right with a good amount of speed.”
Bezzecchi ultimately surrendered second to KTM’s Pedro Acosta, but still completed a highly impressive weekend. “It was a wonderful weekend,” he said. “Last year, I came here, and I started the race in last place. This year, I grabbed the pole position and made a double podium. So I’m very satisfied.”
His satisfaction is understandable, but there is little time to celebrate. Bezzecchi sits third on 232 points, only five behind Marquez and 24 behind championship leader and Aprilia team-mate Jorge Martin.
With Misano providing a home Italian stage, Bezzecchi will have every reason to believe he can fight back – and perhaps turn his impressive Aragon form into a victory.
2026 MotoGP WC – Riders’ Standings (top five)
1 – Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) – 256 points
2 – Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo) – 237
3 – Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) – 232
4 – Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46) – 208
5 – Ai Ogura (SuperFile Trackhouse) – 203
2026 MotoGP WC – Constructors’ Standings (top five)
1 – Aprilia – 374 points
2 – Ducati – 350
3 – KTM – 211
4 – Honda – 122
5 – Yamaha – 73
2026 MotoGP WC – Teams’ Standings (top five)
1 – Aprilia Racing – 461
2 – SuperFile Trackhouse – 389
3 – Ducati Lenovo – 355
4 – Pertamina Enduro VR46 – 252
5 – Red Bull KTM Factory – 241
Bet on Motorsport with Betway
Betting on motorsport with Betway is fast-paced and exciting. With access to a huge selection of markets and odds, it won’t be long before you are betting at 100km/h. Bet on Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, or any other sport of your choice.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and Youtube. Download the Betway app to bet on the go!
