Marc Marquez isn’t one to lean on excuses, and despite a rocky start to the 2026 MotoGP season, the six-time world champion is refusing to let the "unlucky" label define his comeback with Ducati.

It’s been a challenging opening stretch for Marquez, who has faced a mix of on-track incidents and tough breaks. A controversial steward decision in Thailand handed a Sprint win to Pedro Acosta, while a damaged wheel rim during the Grand Prix cost him valuable points. A penalty in Austin—this time entirely his fault after contact with Fabio Di Giannantonio—and a crash at Jerez that left him pointless only added to the frustration.

But Marquez isn't blaming fate. Speaking ahead of the French GP at Le Mans, he made it clear: luck isn't the issue—pace is.

"We can say unlucky, but I will say I’ve not had enough speed," Marquez told Fastlane TV. "If you are fast, then it looks like luck is always on your side. At the moment, I’m not riding in the way I like. I’m not riding in the perfect way, and step by step, I’m trying to analyse why."

The factory Ducati rider acknowledged that his recent struggles have forced him to dig deeper into his riding style and setup. After Di Giannantonio—who currently leads Ducati’s championship charge—described Marquez as "unlucky" in his early-season assessment, the seven-time champion was quick to push back. While Di Giannantonio still sees speed in Marquez, the Spaniard insists the real work is on himself.

"In Jerez, we understood many, many things. On my personal side, I also understood many, many things," Marquez added. "Now in the next races, here in Le Mans, we will try to introduce some things and let’s see if we can have a small step here."

If Marquez wants to defend his drivers' world title, he’ll need to start closing the 44-point gap that Marco Bezzecchi has built at the top of the standings. With a renewed focus on speed over superstition, the comeback trail is just getting started.