Ducati Targets Rebound After Jerez Test 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Ducati Lenovo Team has reaffirmed its intent to respond after a difficult Jerez MotoGP 2026 weekend, placing a strong emphasis on aerodynamic development to close the performance gap to Aprilia.

During the race weekend in Jerez, Ducati struggled to match its rival’s pace. While Aprilia placed four riders inside the top six and strengthened its championship position, the factory Ducati squad failed to score after Marc Marquez crashed out and Francesco Bagnaia retired due to a technical issue.

Team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed that the primary focus of the post-race test was to increase downforce, particularly in high-speed corners where Ducati has identified a deficit relative to Aprilia.

Baca JugaFabio Quartararo Frustrasi Usai Jerez MotoGP 2026

"I think it has become crucial to have the downforce that the right aerodynamics can provide, especially in the fast corners where we know Aprilia has made a clear step forward," Tardozzi said.

According to him, Ducati is intensively experimenting with different aerodynamic configurations to identify the optimal solution, especially in Turns 11 and 12 at Jerez—sections where Marquez’s crash occurred and where Bagnaia showed signs of improvement during testing.

Wind conditions were also highlighted as a contributing factor to Marquez’s incident, with insufficient front-end load leading to a loss of grip at a critical phase of the corner.

"There was some wind yesterday, the front load was not what it should have been, and the bike lifted slightly, which caused a loss of front grip," Tardozzi explained.

Beyond addressing stability issues, increased downforce is expected to deliver greater consistency across varying track conditions, a key requirement given the diverse characteristics of circuits on the MotoGP calendar.

Tardozzi remains confident that the developments introduced will soon translate into improved competitiveness, including a more consistent ability to challenge Aprilia in upcoming rounds.

"I believe that from the next race onwards, we will have something extra to be more competitive and fight more consistently with Aprilia," he stated.

However, he also acknowledged that certain circuits, such as Silverstone, have historically suited Aprilia better, meaning a flexible technical approach will remain essential to maintain competitiveness throughout the season.

With the French Grand Prix at Le Mans approaching, Ducati faces a critical phase to validate its aerodynamic developments and reassert its position in the MotoGP 2026 championship battle.