Alex Marquez is set to take a major step forward in his career by joining the factory Ducati team for the 2026 MotoGP season. Following a strong showing in 2025, where he secured two Grand Prix wins on older machinery, Marquez will now have access to the latest factory bike, making this a pivotal moment for his development and competitiveness.
Currently ranked second in the championship, Marquez is both eager and realistic about the increased demands this opportunity will bring.
I will face double the work,
he said, viewing this as a chance to push himself and his team to new heights. Ducati’s move to expand their GP26 lineup to four riders includes Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who will also compete on factory machines under the VR46 banner.
Significance of the Factory Deal for Marquez and Gresini Team
Marquez expressed pride and excitement on behalf of himself and the Gresini team, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.
This is a moment of celebration for me and the entire Gresini team,
he stated before the Japanese Grand Prix. He added,
We absolutely deserve this chance. Looking back at our history with Ducati, the results speak for themselves. Every year, we’ve been right there, securing wins and pushing the limits.
The rider also praised the essential contributions of team owner Nadia Padovan in securing the factory bike.
Nadia has been instrumental in making this factory bike a reality. I can’t thank Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna enough for believing in us.
Adapting to the Factory Ducati and Future Testing Prospects
With the move to factory-spec machinery, Marquez understands that his preparation and testing approach will need to evolve significantly.
We will have more components to evaluate and a broader scope of work ahead of us. It’s a challenge I welcome,
he explained.
This year’s tests were straightforward—we focused solely on extracting maximum performance. But next year, I’ll have the chance to experiment and contribute to Ducati’s ongoing evolution.
This expanded role during testing phases highlights Marquez’s growing responsibility in the team’s technical development, moving beyond just riding to actively shaping the bike’s advancements.
Outlook for Marquez and the Upcoming 2026 Season
Looking ahead to 2026, Marquez appears determined to leverage this opportunity and make a lasting impact.
This is a fantastic opportunity for both myself and the team,
he affirmed, prepared to push the factory Ducati to its limits. As anticipation builds within the MotoGP community, all eyes will be on Marquez as he aims to cement his status among the sport’s elite riders.
With the countdown to the new season underway, Marquez stands ready to face the intensified challenge, eager to continue writing his story in the fast-paced world of MotoGP competition.
