Jorge Lorenzo Reveals His Four Top Rider Picks for MotoGP 2026 - Who Are They?
Source: Antara/Handout via Dorna Sports
The 2026 MotoGP season will be one of the most competitive in the last decade. That's the prediction of three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo. He spoke candidly about riders he considers most prepared to contend for the title.
With extensive experience reading paddock dynamics, Lorenzo confidently identified strong names poised to intensify the competition.
Lorenzo backed Aprilia Racing's Marco Bezzecchi and the Marquez brothers (Marc and Alex) in the battle for the 2026 MotoGP world championship.
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Not only that, he also included rising sensation Pedro Acosta as one of the most serious candidates to challenge senior rider dominance.
"Two who surprised me most this year: first, Alex Marquez – though he already showed in preseason he was immediately fast with the GP24 – and then Bezzecchi at Montmelo tests," Lorenzo stated in a Dazn interview on Monday.
He emphasized that both resurgences weren't temporary surprises but clear signals of threats for the coming season.
"Who expected Bezzecchi and Aprilia to adapt so well and win races like they did? These two riders surprised me. Along with Marc and possibly Pedro Acosta, they're the most promising for next year," he added.
Lorenzo's words carry extra weight as he now serves on Red Bull KTM's coaching team alongside Maverick Viñales.
His perspective combines MotoGP legend status with direct involvement in elite rider development.
One aspect particularly impressing Lorenzo is Aprilia's evolution in recent seasons.
He considers the Aprilia RS-GP engine has leaped to a new level, becoming a serious threat to Ducati's 2025 dominance.
Lorenzo views Aprilia's technical progress, including Bezzecchi's consistency, as proof the manufacturer is ready to escape Borgo Panigale's shadow.
Both Ducati and Aprilia are now developing their strengths for next season.
They recently completed initial tests at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia.
These tests provided early glimpses of potential 2026 showdowns, especially if the GP24, RS-GP, and young rider lineups keep rapidly improving.
With Marc Marquez's experience, Alex's resurgence, Bezzecchi's brilliance, and Acosta's aggression, 2026 MotoGP promises a four-way battle.
