Alex Marquez is heading into the 2026 MotoGP season with a new status — as one of the top riders on the grid. After finishing runner-up behind his older brother Marc Marquez in 2025, Alex will ride Ducati’s latest factory-spec machine with Gresini next year.
The 29-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a remarkable 2025 campaign, securing 24 podiums and three Grand Prix victories aboard the GP24. His consistent form not only earned him the runner-up spot in the championship but also elevated Gresini Racing to new heights.
Next season, Ducati will once again field four factory bikes — for Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Alex Marquez. Despite his rise in status, Alex remains grounded and focused on continued improvement.
“I want to maintain the positive trend we’ve built this season. The most important thing is to keep improving,” said Alex. “We need to find that extra step at tracks where we’ve struggled before and continue working on the small details.”
Alex is well aware that expectations will rise with a factory bike under him, but he chooses to see pressure as a source of motivation rather than stress. “It’s natural that people mention me as a title contender now. Pressure can be a burden, but it can also push you to perform better,” he explained.
For Alex, composure and teamwork remain the keys to success. “The most important step for me and the team is to stay calm when things get tough. When you know you have the speed, everything becomes easier,” he added.
With Gresini having already clinched the Independent Team title in Malaysia, Alex will enter the final two rounds — starting with the Portuguese MotoGP — with no pressure, focusing instead on refining his performance for 2026.
