Marked as a potential MotoGP title contender for 2026, Marco Bezzecchi remains focused on improving his season start rather than rushing into title expectations. The Italian rider is determined to build on his performance and tackle any remaining challenges as he prepares for the upcoming races.
After delivering Aprilia’s best MotoGP season and positioning himself as Ducati’s primary challenger during his rookie year on the RS-GP, Bezzecchi understands that refining the finer details can be the toughest part of progress. At the recent team launch, he reflected on the foundation laid last year and the work ahead to enhance the bike’s performance.
Building on Last Season’s Foundation
Bezzecchi explained the contrast between making significant advancements and fine-tuning existing performance levels, noting the latter is often more challenging. Drawing from his experience testing various components throughout 2025, he aims to leverage this knowledge for further gains in 2026.
“Last year we built a nice base for the bike and hopefully we can use this base and try to improve it,”
Bezzecchi said at the team event.
“So I will try to use the experience that I gained from trying many pieces last year, learning a lot about how I feel the modification on the bike every time.”
During the previous season, Bezzecchi achieved six race wins, split equally between grand prix and sprint races. Despite these successes, both he and the machine still have areas to enhance.
“For sure, we both have to improve. Me and the bike. In the last part of 2025, we reached a good level and I was able to be quick,”
Bezzecchi added, highlighting the importance of continuous development on tracks like Sepang, where the team still faces challenges.
Consistent Progress in Every Aspect
Bezzecchi stressed the necessity of constant improvement in MotoGP, emphasizing that pausing progress is not an option in this sport. Midway through the year, after difficulties with consistency, he secured a breakthrough victory at Silverstone and amassed the highest points total of any rider in the season’s second half.
“Basically, in MotoGP, you always have to make steps day by day. You can never stop.”
“The perfect bike doesn’t exist, so we are always trying to improve,”
he remarked, describing how the team tackled various issues throughout the year.
“At the beginning we were missing a bit of stability. This was the main issue. Then we improved the stability, but we missed the qualifying. Then we improved qualifying, but we missed how to manage the rear tyre.”
“So overall, everything was improving, but then there was a new small problem. Then we solved this. This is normal in racing. So we never focus on only one item. We always try to work on the complete package.”
Bezzecchi ended the 2025 campaign on a strong note with consecutive grand prix wins, although reigning champion Marc Marquez was absent due to injuries from their crash in Mandalika.
Measured Expectations for the 2026 Season
When questioned about whether his later-season momentum sets the stage for a title bid next year, Bezzecchi remained measured, emphasizing a cautious approach. His primary objective is to start the season strongly and steadily build from there rather than rushing toward lofty goals.
“Well, the target for me, basically, is to try to start in a good way. That is what we missed last year. So it could be fantastic to start in a competitive way, fighting for top fives – top three if it’s possible is even better, of course.”
“I want to just start from the Malaysia test with calmness, staying focused and enjoying finally the bike again. Then, after a couple of races, we can set a clear target.”
The official pre-season test will take place in Sepang from February 3 to 5, where Bezzecchi and his team will aim to assess whether they have closed the gap in their performance and are ready for a strong start to 2026.
