Ducati to Elevate Alex Marquez to official Team Role in 2026
Ducati is poised to promote Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez to its factory team alongside Francesco Bagnaia beginning in the 2026 MotoGP season, according to recent reports. The move signifies a strategic investment in Marquez’s potential and a commitment to maintaining its dominance in the championship.
Currently competing with the satellite Gresini team,Marquez has demonstrated consistent growth and is eighth in the championship standings with 113 points,38 points behind Fabio Di Giannantonio. Ducati technicians have been closely monitoring Marquez’s progress, with davide Tardozzi and Luigi Dall’Igna leading the evaluation.
The decision comes as Ducati prepares for significant technical regulation changes in MotoGP anticipated in 2026. While the 2026 project is currently envisioned as similar to the GP25, the ample cost – double that of a current Desmosedici – may lead Ducati to cautiously approach major changes.
This promotion for Marquez sets up an internal rivalry with eight-time world champion Marc Marquez, who joined the VR46 Ducati team for the 2024 season. Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team will also be evaluating Fermin Aldeger, currently a rookie, as a potential contender for a factory spot, recognizing his rapid advancement in the latter half of the 2024 season.
Ducati has secured six consecutive manufacturers’ championships and aims to continue its success, providing its riders with top-tier equipment and support. Bagnaia is currently focused on securing second place in the 2024 championship and building momentum for the 2026 season with the GP26.
