The GP25 may have had the potential to outperform its predecessor, but only one rider truly managed to unlock its full capabilities.
Marquez would be perfectly content if things played out the same way again this year, though the rest of the paddock will be eager for a change in fortunes.
Ducati faced an interesting challenge over the winter. Without their reigning champion available for post-season testing due to injury, questions lingered about how effective their development process would be.
They’ve also got Francesco Bagnaia’s issues to address, though it’s never easy when resources are stretched thin. But as always, Ducati’s main focus is on reclaiming the MotoGP title.
Marquez keeps any complaints he might have about Ducati to himself and never voices them publicly—a smart approach from someone with his experience.
Marquez is expected to get in some ‘crucial’ laps with Ducati before the pre-season test at Sepang, which will help decide if he’s fit enough to return soon after. There’s plenty of optimism around his recovery.
Luigi Dall’Igna points to early positives for Marc Marquez’s 2026 Ducati bike
Reports indicate that Marquez’s contract extension with Ducati is close to being finalised, which could set off the first major move in the MotoGP rider market.
With a new set of regulations coming up, staying put with a team where he’s already found plenty of success makes sense.
But Aprilia have made serious progress over the past year and shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re looking strong heading into this season.
Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna recently gave an update on the GP26 development that should give Marquez some confidence. The early numbers look promising, but as always, nothing is settled until they hit the track.
Dall’Igna told Moto.it: “From my point of view, the 25 was still better than the 24. That’s the goal [for the GP26 to be better]. On paper, it is.”
He added: “The numbers say that. In reality, we will then have to go to Sepang test it and decide which ideas will actually be confirmed and which ideas instead will be discarded.”
Marc Marquez set to benefit from stability heading into 2026
Over the past two years, Marquez has had plenty of adjustments to manage, switching teams in back-to-back seasons and taking on a lot of new information each time.
For 2026, that stability should help offset his limited involvement in the early stages of the GP26’s development.
These days, Bagnaia and Marquez share a strong working relationship. It gives Ducati one less internal issue to manage and lets them stay focused on performance.
Their main concern now is making sure Aprilia doesn’t sneak in and take the title away from them.
- READ MORE: Marc Marquez impressed everyone at Ducati on his first day in a way that only champions do
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