If there’s any current MotoGP rider who is fit to assess the current championship predicament, it’s Marc Marquez.
The six-time champion has had an excellent platform to watch as both Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin battle it out for the 2024 crown.
Their thrilling Malaysian Grand Prix fight was a true representation of their respect for each other on the track and highlighted how impressive they both are.
It might not be quite as friendly at the season finale in Barcelona, but unless something unfathomable happens, Martin looks set to claim his maiden MotoGP crown.
Marc Marquez shares ‘big praise’ towards Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin
Marquez has shown signs of returning to his very best in 2024 and has been the next-best rider after the front two.
He should finish third in the championship, which would be his best result since he claimed his last crown in 2019.
TV’s Simon Crafar spoke to the Spaniard after the race in Malaysia and said that he shared some positive words for the top two.
“It was an amazing ride [on Saturday], he tried to do the same but lost the front. He made a comment which put things in perspective,” he said.
“I asked about the difference between the GP24 and GP23. He said, on the timed fastest attack laps, he cannot match what Jorge and Pecco are doing.
“They are doing something extra, it’s not just the bike. That was big praise coming from him. He’s working on trying to close that gap. But Marc was brilliant in the races.”
Who is favourite for the MotoGP title?
Martin holds a 24-point lead over Bagnaia heading into the final round of the season in Barcelona – which has been shifted from the original location of Valencia due to some devastating floods.
It’s a trickier circuit, which provokes more mistakes from the riders and could prove to be even more challenging in the middle of a cold November.
As it stands though, the only way that Bagnaia can win the championship is if he wins the race and receives some outside assistance.
That could come in the form of a retirement, or some of his rivals getting in Martin’s way, but he needs to focus on his job before turning any attention to that.
It’s set up to be a thrilling finish, and Marquez should continue to hold a great view of that if he can stay in third place, where he has been for much of the season.