Michele Masini is not interested in just making up the numbers. The Gresini Racing Sporting Director arrives at MotoGP Austria 2026 with a clear mission: maximise every race weekend, starting at the Red Bull Ring. The momentum is real. Alex Marquez scored a podium at Misano, and Fermin Aldeguer is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the leading group.
Masini believes Marquez is in an ideal place. The injury that disrupted his season has not dulled his speed. "When he came back from injury, he immediately showed that his speed is still there. He hasn't lost it. So, I think we are in the best condition to try to get the maximum result every weekend," Masini told MotoGP.com during Practice at the Austrian GP, Friday (18/9/2026).
For Gresini Racing, this momentum is no accident. Marquez is performing at his best, and Aldeguer continues to show a steep learning curve. The combination gives Gresini confidence for the rest of the season, especially at tracks that demand smart tyre management like Austria.
Special attention is also on Aldeguer. The young Spaniard is known for his tyre management, particularly in the second half of races. That skill is why Masini is confident Aldeguer can fight for a top-five finish. "We saw that Fermin, especially in the second half of races, always gets the most out of tyre management, and I think here he is also in the best condition to try to stay in the top five," he explained.
Regarding the bike package, Gresini is still relying on the GP25. Masini acknowledges the challenge of keeping up with the factory Ducatis and Aprilias, but he is optimistic about its potential. "I think we can have a good weekend here too with the GP25, because there is a good package. But we have to start at 100 percent and as close as possible to the factory Ducatis and Aprilias," he added.
Technical evaluation is also a focus. During Practice, the team tested two different aerodynamic configurations on the tail of Alex Marquez's bike. The results will determine the spec for the Sprint and the main race. "We tried two different configurations and later after Practice we will decide what to bring for the Sprint and the race, but every detail is important," Masini stressed.
With thorough preparation and proven speed, Gresini Racing arrives in Austria not just to fill the grid. They want to challenge the factory teams consistently, and the Red Bull Ring will be the next test.
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