Marc Marquez has shifted his attention to the 2026 season following a significant MotoGP test at Misano. Coming off a major win at the San Marino Grand Prix, the Ducati factory rider is aiming to secure the championship starting with the upcoming race in Motegi, the first of six crucial events left this year. This focus on future success highlights Marquez’s strategic approach amid an intense championship battle.
Testing Innovations and Physical Challenges at Misano
During the Misano test, Marquez balanced pushing development with managing physical strain after a demanding race weekend. He revealed to Sky Italia,
“It was a long day. After yesterday’s tough race, my body wasn’t 100%, and we decided to stop a little early,”
demonstrating his commitment while recognizing his limits. The test served as a platform to trial important bike modifications ahead of November’s Valencia testing session.
Marquez concentrated on experimenting with specific parts, including fairing designs and swingarms.
“I re-tested some things, like the fairing and some swingarms, with various modifications that helped us understand where was better and where was worse,”
he explained. This careful evaluation aimed to enhance the bike’s competitiveness for the upcoming races and beyond.
Focusing on Rear-End Performance Amid High Grip Conditions
Though Marquez finished sixth on the combined timesheet behind KTM’s Pedro Acosta, his attention remained on improving rear-end handling. He noted,
“We concentrated on that rear part of the bike, more than the front, because it’s quite difficult when you have the kind of super high grip we have today to understand things.”
This focus helped the team make crucial setups early in the day, simulating conditions similar to race weekends for effective adjustments.
Comparing 2024 and 2025 Bike Aerodynamics
Marquez also shared insights into the performance differences between the 2024 and 2025 fairing models. He observed that lap times were comparable, but the riding experience varied notably.
“With one we have more corner speed, with the other we have more braking stability. But both are working well,”
he said, reflecting his deep understanding of the motorcycle’s dynamics and the trade-offs between speed and control.
Teammates’ Efforts Highlight Ducati’s Continuous Pursuit of Progress
Meanwhile, teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who ranked eighth, found progress in adjusting weight distribution on his GP25 after a difficult home race weekend. Test rider Michele Pirro demonstrated Ducati’s innovative spirit by pushing a new front aero package, despite finishing 23rd. Their combined efforts underscore the team’s dedication to technological advancement and race preparation.
The Long-Term Impact on Marquez and Ducati’s MotoGP Future
The developments made during the Misano test carry significance beyond the immediate race calendar. Marquez and Ducati are setting the foundation for a strong challenge in 2026, aiming to ensure ongoing competitiveness at the highest level. This forward-looking strategy signals an intense battle ahead, as the rider’s determination to claim his ninth title intensifies and the Ducati team strives for continued dominance in MotoGP.
