Ducati began the 2026 MotoGP season with disappointing results, highlighting the challenges brought by signing Marc Marquez, according to veteran rider manager Carlo Pernat. This season, Ducati’s previous streak of consistently earning podium finishes came to a halt at the Thailand Grand Prix when Marquez suffered a puncture while battling Raul Fernandez for third place.
Fabio Di Giannantonio, a Ducati rider from the VR46 team, was the highest-placed Ducati at sixth, while Aprilia dominated the top five spots. Marquez’s teammate Francesco Bagnaia finished only ninth, signalling a downturn in Ducati’s typical performance level.
The Evolution of Ducati’s Team Dynamics and Rider Lineup
Carlo Pernat praised Aprilia’s impressive technical and managerial progress, crediting technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini and team manager Massimo Rivola for their advancements. However, Pernat argued that Ducati is dealing with internal weaknesses, notably citing Francesco Bagnaia’s decline following his internal competition with Marquez last year.
Bagnaia is set to join Aprilia in 2027 after Ducati’s acquisition of Pedro Acosta effectively pushed him out. Pernat further claimed Ducati’s current rider roster is limited, with VR46’s riders not providing expected results, and the team having lost Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin after the 2024 season.
Pedro Acosta Responds to Marc Marquez’s Comments
At the Thailand event, Pedro Acosta countered Marquez’s remarks about the championship lead, emphasizing that it was not a brief advantage. Acosta challenged the narrative surrounding the competition and performance gap.
“Right now, if we look at things carefully, Aprilia has made a remarkable leap forward thanks to Sterlacchini and Rivola’s decisions and everything,”
said Pernat.
Pernat stated,
“Ducati is paying the price of Marquez’s arrival, which has destroyed Bagnaia a bit psychologically; it has changed him. Bagnaia is not there, Ducati has only one rider, who is Marquez.”
He added,
“Di Giannantonio is not there, Morbidelli is not there, they are not in a good position in terms of riders. There is only Marquez, because Di Giannantonio and Bagnaia arrive, but they lose a lot of seconds.”
“Bagnaia seems like a different person; he suffered mentally against Marquez and still does now. He did the right thing in deciding to leave and choose Aprilia. When the announcement is made, it will be even more beautiful.”
– Carlo Pernat, Rider Manager
Marc Marquez’s Influence Compared to Honda Era Patterns
While Pernat omitted mention of Alex Marquez, who finished second behind his brother last year and showed consistent performance, Alex failed to score points at Thailand after retiring from the race. Nevertheless, a seventh-place qualifying performance suggests he remains competitive.
Fermin Aldeguer, Alex’s teammate, missed the Thailand race due to injury but aims to return in Brazil. Despite limited testing, Aldeguer continues to be regarded as a strong emerging talent in MotoGP.
Although Ducati appears to be heavily dependent on Marc Marquez, the decision to sign him remains understandable. Marquez dominated the previous championship with 11 victories out of 18 races, confirming his status as a top rider.
Marquez’s history at Honda shows a pattern where the gap between him and his teammates widened notably. In 2019, he delivered one of the most commanding seasons in the sport’s history, while no other RC231V rider made the top eight. This imbalance, while potentially problematic, underlines Marquez’s extraordinary talent.
Honda’s willingness to welcome Marquez back without hesitation reflects his value despite any team dynamics issues. Ducati might face short-term difficulties similar to those Honda experienced, but acquiring a rider of Marquez’s calibre could pay off in the long run.
Outlook for Ducati’s Season and Rider Strategy
Ducati’s struggle in the early phase of the 2026 season illustrates the delicate balance of managing rider dynamics while integrating a high-profile talent like Marc Marquez. The departures of key riders and psychological challenges faced by Bagnaia hint at the complex situation the team must resolve to regain dominance.
With Aprilia rising strongly under Sterlacchini and Rivola’s leadership and Ducati’s reliance on Marquez becoming more pronounced, the upcoming races will reveal whether Ducati’s strategy can withstand these pressures or if it marks a larger transition in MotoGP’s competitive hierarchy.
