Ducati is facing ongoing challenges with its MotoGP aero package during the Sepang pre-season test, as Marc Marquez revealed he is currently evaluating four different aerodynamic options. This effort aims to finalize the best setup before the start of the racing season.
Continued Focus on Aerodynamic Development
For over a decade, Ducati has been a leader in MotoGP aerodynamics, famously introducing winglets on the Desmosedici in 2015. However, last year the team split its efforts between the 2024 aero design and a 2025 iteration, which has now extended into the 2026 testing phase. The manufacturer is testing multiple aero combinations to determine which one will be homologated for the upcoming season.
Marquez, who finished 15th during the Wednesday session at Sepang, emphasized the importance of aerodynamics under the current regulations. He explained,
“Continue working with the aerodynamic aspects, because it’s the thing you will homologate at the Thailand race.”
He clarified that aside from the aero package,
“the engine base is the same as last year, because the rules say that,”
pointing out that other areas can be adjusted throughout the season, but the aerodynamic setup must be locked in early.
Impact of Aero Changes on Bike Balance
Changing the aero package significantly affects the bike’s handling and balance, requiring adaptation from the riders. Marquez noted,
“Normally, you are used to riding with my base one, but when you put on a new one you need to be patient, to adjust a bit the bike balance.”
This adjustment process adds complexity to the team’s development work.
When asked about the scope of his aerodynamic testing, Marquez identified “four different aspects of aero,” highlighting the extensive work needed to select the most suitable configuration for all 22 races of the season:
“It’s different combinations and we need to choose the best one for 22 races.”
New Aero Designs Emerge at Sepang
During the Sepang MotoGP test, Ducati introduced a bold new front fairing, which received mixed reactions from riders when surveyed on Tuesday. Throughout the test, bikes were seen with various aerodynamic package versions, including both 2024 and 2025 specification wings. These trials reflect Ducati’s ongoing search for optimal performance and stability.
According to current MotoGP rules, manufacturers outside the concession D category are required to homologate a single aero package before the season opener and are only allowed one further upgrade over the course of the year. This constraint makes the choice of the initial aero design critical to the team’s competitive momentum.
Implications for Ducati’s 2026 Campaign
Ducati’s aerodynamic struggles at Sepang underscore the difficulty of maintaining an edge in a highly regulated environment, especially as rivals continue to advance. Resolving these challenges will be key to ensuring consistency and speed during the 2026 season’s demanding 22-race calendar. The final aero package decisions, expected to be locked in ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix, will influence not only Ducati’s bike performance but also the riders’ ability to compete at the front of the grid.
