Alex Marquez Secures Factory Ducati GP26 for 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Alex Marquez is confirmed to ride the factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP26 in the 2026 MotoGP season with Gresini Racing MotoGP. The Gresini team’s announcement confirms that the Spanish rider will align with the Ducati Lenovo Team duo, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, on identical machinery.

For context, Alex Marquez has shone brightly in the 2025 season. Across 16 Grands Prix, he secured 21 podiums—11 in Tissot Sprints and 10 in main Grand Prix races—along with two victories. These accomplishments, achieved on the Desmosedici GP24, provide a robust foundation for his next phase. Consequently, this upgrade reflects both recognition of his dedication and Ducati’s strategy to strengthen their grid dominance.

Currently, three factory-spec Ducati bikes are in use: those of Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati Lenovo Team, and the GP25 ridden by Fabio Di Giannantonio at Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. In 2026, this will increase to four, with Alex Marquez’s inclusion. This move underscores Ducati’s confidence in their satellite teams, particularly following a strong 2025 campaign.

Alex Marquez’s Response to the Upgrade

Alex Marquez expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. He stated, "It is an honor to race with the factory bike alongside Team Gresini. The team has worked perfectly over the last few seasons, and I am sure this is a reward for everyone—for myself and the entire team." He further noted, "This is a step forward towards our dreams and to become even better in 2026. I want to thank Nadia, the team, and of course Gigi and Ducati, who have made me feel important in every moment."

These comments reflect both gratitude and a resolve to grow further. Indeed, switching to a factory-spec bike grants earlier access to Ducati’s advanced technology, enhancing track speed and reliability. As a result, prospects for more podiums and championship contention become increasingly realistic.

Support from Gresini Team Owner

Nadia Padovani Gresini, owner of Gresini Racing, voiced her excitement. She said, "This is very important news for Gresini Racing. I want to thank Ducati and Dall’Igna for the trust given to Alex and our team. The results achieved this year, and in previous seasons, have brought us to this extraordinary historical milestone." She added, "We are happy that Alex, starting next year, will race with the factory bike. As a team, we are ready to go further towards excellence. The 2025 season will be unforgettable, and we already love 2026."

From the team’s perspective, this upgrade solidifies their long-term partnership with Ducati. Consequently, Gresini Racing is better equipped with resources for race strategy development, positioning them to compete more intensely against top factory teams.

Gigi Dall’Igna’s Perspective from Ducati

Luigi "Gigi" Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, offered full support. He remarked, "Alex Marquez’s season has been impressive. After a series of evaluations, Ducati Corse decided to increase our support so that the rider and his working team can continue to grow. Alex has maximized the potential of the Desmosedici GP, and we are confident that with the new updates, next year we will continue to grow together. This will be an added value for the entire Ducati family."

This statement confirms that Ducati’s decision is rooted in solid performance data. Furthermore, Dall’Igna highlights Marquez’s contributions to the broader Ducati ecosystem. Thus, this upgrade benefits both the individual and strengthens Ducati’s MotoGP dominance.

Overall, this confirmation marks a new chapter for Alex Marquez and Gresini Racing. The stellar 2025 season serves as a springboard, while 2026 promises greater achievements. Ducati’s commitment to nurturing young talent continues to shape a dynamic MotoGP landscape. Sportrik Media will keep tracking these developments for in-depth analysis.