Ducati is contemplating a significant move for the 2026 MotoGP season by potentially granting Alex Marquez a factory bike upgrade, reflecting his impressive impact since joining Gresini Racing in 2023. Marquez has demonstrated his talent by securing a victory at Jerez and a sprint race win at Silverstone, earning him the position of leading satellite rider within Ducati’s ranks and currently holding second place in the championship standings.
Challenges and Concerns Surrounding the Current GP24 Machine
Despite his successes, Marquez has expressed frustrations about the limitations of his current GP24 bike, describing his experience as a battle to simply survive as Ducati’s updates have slowed. This slowdown has enabled competitors to close the performance gap, raising concerns about his ability to maintain pace against rivals without further technical developments.
Factory Bike Allocation and Strategic Decisions for 2026
Ducati faces complex choices as Pramac Racing will end its factory partnership after 2024, shifting attention to the VR46 team. However, this partnership applies only to Fabio Di Giannantonio’s side of the garage. VR46’s Uccio Salucci disclosed that talks with Ducati’s lead engineers Gigi Dall’Igna and Mauro Grassilli have explored the option of providing factory-spec machines to both VR46 and Gresini teams in 2026. Ultimately, the current plan is to offer only one additional factory bike for the time being.
Ongoing Evaluations and Factors Influencing Ducati’s Decision
Mauro Grassilli, Ducati’s team principal, confirmed that discussions remain active about the potential expansion of factory bike slots for the upcoming season.
“We are still working on it,”
Grassilli said, emphasizing that while Gresini Racing’s performance with Marquez has been impressive, the expansion of factory bike allocations is a separate consideration.
With the 2026 engine development freeze affecting all manufacturers except those with specific concession statuses, Ducati has the possibility to introduce a fourth factory bike. Grassilli noted, however, that this decision involves multiple aspects beyond just engine development or finances.
“There are a lot of topics we have to understand and analyze,”
he explained, signaling the cautious approach Ducati is taking before finalizing their plans.
Implications for Marquez and the MotoGP Grid
The question now stands whether Alex Marquez will benefit from a factory-spec upgrade, potentially boosting his title bid and altering the dynamics within the Ducati lineup. As Ducati weighs these options amid a competitive and evolving MotoGP landscape, fans and competitors alike watch closely for confirmation. This decision could influence the championship fight and Ducati’s strategic positioning moving forward.
