Alex Marquez is preparing to shoulder a heavier burden in MotoGP 2026 after being awarded a factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP26. Previously racing on older-spec bikes, Marquez’s runner-up finish in 2025 earned him the same machine as Marc Marquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, claiming 15 sprint podiums, including three wins, and 12 grand prix podiums, also with three victories, despite riding last year’s GP24. Marquez admitted he did not expect such a successful season, but he now enters 2026 as one of the title favourites.
Riding the GP26 will also allow Marquez to be more involved in Ducati’s development process. He acknowledged that Aprilia’s recent performance gains will push Ducati to work harder next season.
