Ducati has confirmed it is evaluating the possibility of giving Alex Marquez a full factory-spec bike for the 2026 MotoGP season. Since joining Gresini Racing in 2023, the Spaniard has competed exclusively on year-old machinery, currently riding the GP24.
With Pramac’s factory partnership ending after 2024 and VR46 receiving works support—though only for Fabio Di Giannantonio—Marquez has emerged as the strongest satellite Ducati rider this year. His victory at Jerez, sprint win at Silverstone, and consistent podiums have kept him second in the standings.
However, Marquez admitted in Austria that he is now having to “survive” on the GP24 as rival teams close the gap and Ducati’s updates slow down. Sky Italy revealed that VR46 had discussions with Ducati about running two factory bikes in 2026 but opted to stick with just one.
When asked in Austria about Marquez’s chances of receiving a factory-spec upgrade, Ducati team boss Mauro Grassilli responded: “We are still working on it. We don’t know yet how many official bikes there will be next year… maybe in the next month, the next few weeks, we will decide.”
Although engine development is frozen for 2026—potentially easing Ducati’s production of a fourth factory bike—Grassilli emphasized the decision involves more than technical or financial considerations.
