Marc Marquez Returns to Ducati Under Tardozzi Watch 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marc Marquez is scheduled to return to the track this week aboard a Ducati Panigale at the Aspar Circuit in Guadassuar under the direct supervision of Davide Tardozzi, marking a critical step in his recovery process following his shoulder injury sustained during the 2025 MotoGP season.

Almost 100 days after suffering a fractured right shoulder at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Marquez will ride a specially prepared Ducati Panigale V2 as part of a carefully controlled private test organised by Ducati Lenovo Team. The use of the V2 platform has been selected to allow Marquez to regain race fitness while limiting physical load as he works back towards full MotoGP specification machinery.

The two day test at the Guadassuar circuit, located inside the Aspar motorsport complex owned by Jorge Martinez, will also feature Alex Marquez and Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. Tardozzi’s presence underlines Ducati’s strategic interest in closely monitoring Marquez’s physical condition and technical feedback as preparations accelerate for the 2026 campaign.

From a competitive standpoint, the session carries significance beyond rehabilitation. Ducati engineers are expected to use the running to gather data on Marquez’s ergonomics, braking inputs and shoulder load, factors that directly influence setup direction as MotoGP enters a new technical development cycle. For MotoGP, the return of the reigning champion to track action also stabilises the championship narrative heading into pre season testing.

Marquez secured the 2025 MotoGP world title in Japan before being taken out by Marco Bezzecchi one week later in Indonesia, resulting in a fracture to the same shoulder he previously injured in 2020. Ducati has since managed his rehabilitation cautiously, prioritising long term competitiveness over an accelerated comeback.

Following the Guadassuar outing, Marquez could receive clearance for additional running at Portimao later this month during Ducati WorldSBK tests, further expanding his preparation window ahead of the first official MotoGP test of 2026. The outcome of this phased return will determine not only Marquez’s readiness, but also Ducati’s ability to defend its championship position in the season ahead, with further coverage available at https://sportrik.com.