Alex Marquez to Ride Identical Ducati to Marc and Bagnaia in 2026
Ducati's 2026 Vision: Equal Machinery for Top Talent
Alex Marquez's Upgrade to Factory-Spec Ducati
Alex Marquez, a rider for Gresini Racing, is slated to pilot a current-specification MotoGP Ducati in the 2026 season. This move will place him on par with factory team riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, signifying a major upgrade in his equipment status. The decision highlights Ducati's recognition of his performance and potential within the championship.
Ducati's Strategic Approach to 2026 Regulations
For the 2026 season, which marks the final year under the current technical rules before significant changes in 2027, Ducati has opted to maintain its existing equipment distribution strategy. Despite earlier considerations to provide six identical machines across its teams, this plan was ultimately dismissed due to various production and contractual considerations.
Allocation of Top-Tier Machinery
Consequently, there will be three latest-generation Ducati motorcycles and three from the preceding year, consistent with the current season's setup. However, a significant change has been confirmed: the third current-spec GP26 unit will not go to the VR46 team, as it did this season with Fabio Di Giannantonio. Instead, it will be allocated to Gresini Racing for Alex Marquez.
The VR46 Team's Decision and Alex Marquez's Opportunity
Ducati's senior management communicated this decision at Misano, following Valentino Rossi's team's choice to forgo the option of running a new-spec motorcycle. This opened the door for Alex Marquez, who, based on his strong 2025 season where he currently ranks second in the championship, was deemed the most deserving recipient of the advanced machinery.
Debate Over Equipment Parity and Engine Strategy
Amid discussions regarding the performance disparities between the current Desmosedici GP25 and its predecessor, Ducati had contemplated standardizing the GP26 prototype for all six riders. This would have necessitated basing the new bike on an already homologated engine, given that engine development is frozen for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Marc Marquez's impressive results on the GP25 reaffirmed Ducati's confidence in its current strategy, leading to the decision to continue with three GP25s (with their existing engines) and three GP24s. The latter will be ridden by Alex Marquez, Franco Morbidelli, and Fermin Aldeguer, who is under factory contract until the close of 2027.
Impact on Fabio Di Giannantonio and Fermin Aldeguer
Fabio Di Giannantonio, despite holding a factory contract, will revert to less advanced machinery in the next season. His team cited that the latest-spec bike offered marginal improvements over the GP24, and they were unwilling to pay a premium for it. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer, who was initially promised a full-factory bike for his second season, will not receive it. To compensate for this, Ducati has provided him with several concessions aimed at supporting his long-term career. Gigi Dall’Igna, instrumental in Aldeguer's recruitment, expressed satisfaction with the rookie's performance and views him as a crucial part of Ducati's future plans.
Gresini Racing's Elevated Status
Ducati and Gresini Racing, whose partnership extends through 2026, are currently finalizing an agreement that will see Nadia Padovani's team assume the role of Ducati's secondary factory team. This arrangement will ensure Alex Marquez receives appropriate recognition for his excellent 2025 season. Alex Marquez himself signed a two-year extension with Gresini last year, securing his place through 2026, though the specific details of his enhanced status within Ducati's rider roster for the next season are still being clarified.