Alex Marquez will replace Fabio Di Giannantonio as the rider of Ducati’s third current-spec MotoGP factory bike in 2026, joining Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia on top-tier machinery. This change was confirmed ahead of the next season, which marks the final year under the current technical regulations before major revisions arrive in 2027. The announcement comes as part of Ducati’s continued strategy to support three factory-spec bikes for their leading riders.
Ducati’s 2026 Plans Maintain Current Factory Bike Distribution
For the 2026 season, Ducati will continue with three current-year factory bikes paired with three bikes from the previous model year, just as they have this year. Despite earlier speculation about expanding to six identical machines, Ducati has decided against this due to production limitations and contractual complexities. This means that while three riders will benefit from the latest GP25 prototypes, the remaining three will race using the previous GP24 machines.
Gresini Racing Gains Latest Factory Bike for Alex Marquez
Significantly, the newest GP26 model — now referred to as the GP25 for 2026 standards — will no longer be assigned to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team or Fabio Di Giannantonio. Instead, the third factory bike will go to Gresini Racing and Alex Marquez. Ducati management made this decision public during the Misano round, after the VR46 squad declined to upgrade due to internal considerations. Ducati rewarded Alex Marquez, who is currently second in the championship standings, by granting him this upgraded equipment.
Debate on Latest Desmosedici Model Influenced Team Decisions
The debate about the advantages of the latest Desmosedici GP25 prototype added complexity to Ducati’s plans. The manufacturer examined the possibility of providing all six riders with a standardized version of the GP26, based on a homologated machine, as engine development is frozen for next season. However, the competitive results of Marc Marquez on the GP25 reinforced Ducati’s confidence to maintain three top-tier bikes and three slightly older models.
Marc Marquez’s performances erased doubts around the bike’s potential, leading to a disciplined approach: three riders on the GP25 with the existing engine specification, and three on the GP24 alongside Alex Marquez, Franco Morbidelli, and Fermin Aldeguer, the latter contracted through 2027.
Rider Contracts and Team Choices Affect Bike Assignments
Fabio Di Giannantonio, despite holding a factory contract, will relinquish his current bike because his team declined to finance the more expensive latest-spec model, which they deemed marginally different from the previous GP24. Meanwhile, Ducati is managing expectations with Fermin Aldeguer, who was promised a full factory bike by his second season but will not receive one in 2026. Instead, Ducati plans to support Aldeguer through long-term career concessions and development opportunities, acknowledging his promising rookie year.
“I am delighted with the rookie’s performance – he is set to be crowned top rookie – and he is part of a long-term project.”?Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Technical Director
Negotiations Elevate Gresini Racing’s Role Within Ducati Setup
Ducati is finalizing terms with Gresini Racing, existing partners until the end of 2026, to elevate the team’s status to Ducati’s official second squad. This move will ensure Alex Marquez receives full recognition for his breakthrough 2025 campaign and benefits from the latest resources and factory support. Alex Marquez, who renewed his contract with Gresini last year extending through 2026, still awaits clarity on his role within Ducati’s official rider lineup for next season.
Impact of Ducati’s Strategic Choices on the 2026 Season
Ducati’s decision to assign Alex Marquez to a factory-spec machine reflects their confidence in his talent and championship potential, strengthening the presence of the Marquez brothers on top machinery. Maintaining the current model distribution, combined with contractual and production constraints, reveals Ducati’s cautious but deliberate approach during this transitional period before the new regulations in 2027. These developments hint at competitive battles ahead and possible shifts in team strategies as the sport evolves.
