MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marc Marquez has admitted that his shoulder injury from last season has forced him to begin the 2026 MotoGP campaign using Ducati’s 2024 aerodynamic package with Ducati Corse, instead of the latest specification.
The reigning world champion suffered a complicated right shoulder injury last October following a collision with Aprilia Racing rider Marco Bezzecchi on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. Although Marquez completed pre-season testing and remains one of the favourites for the title, the lingering physical impact has influenced his technical direction for the season opener.
Last year, Marquez preferred the 2025-spec aero configuration for its performance potential. However, the updated package proved more physically demanding. For 2026, he has reverted to the 2024 version, which he considers less aggressive and more manageable given his current condition.
“Basically, in the end, about aerodynamics and the aero package, you need to find the best for your moment, for your riding style, and the one that performs better,” Marquez explained ahead of the Thai Grand Prix.
“The fact that I stepped back in aerodynamics, one of the reasons is because I cannot ride the bike in the same way as last year at the moment.
“The 2025 aerodynamics were a little bit heavier for the bike, more demanding for the physical condition.
“And then I’m just trying to adapt my riding style to what I have now in my physical condition.
“But this doesn’t mean it’s not working well.
“Both packages are working well, but in a different way.
“One of my abilities is to adapt to what I have and what I need.
“So I will try one more time in my career to adapt my riding style to this new situation until I feel more ready.”
The decision reflects a pragmatic approach to the opening phase of the season. Rather than forcing the more aggressive aero concept, Marquez has prioritised consistency and physical sustainability while continuing his recovery.
He also suggested that race weekends will place less strain on his shoulder compared to pre-season testing, which often involves extended stints and repeated setup experimentation.
“It’s true that the recovery process made this pre-season a bit more difficult to be precise in my comments and to always ride in the same way.
“But testing is always harder for physical condition than a race weekend.
“So I expect to start here in a good way. This season is new for everybody, and we will try to fight against them and be ready from the beginning.”
With a tailored technical setup aligned to his current fitness level, the Thai season opener will provide the first competitive indication of how effectively Marquez can balance recovery and performance in his 2026 title defence.
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