During the Sepang test, the Ducati riders presented a motorcycle that looked darker than ever, a patchwork of parts showcasing a bold exploration of aerodynamic solutions. An approach that evokes nostalgia while aiming for innovation for the 2026 season.
A Test Full of Insights
In this eagerly anticipated test, it was hard not to notice the hard work of the Ducati riders, who juggled a mosaic of components. This mix of old and new parts aimed to establish the first of two fairings allowed for the upcoming season. Marc Márquez, the reigning champion, revealed that he had to evaluate four different aerodynamic configurations. Time is of the essence as the next test in Buriram quickly approaches, leaving little room for major adjustments.
Márquez, who is convinced by the setups he was able to test, stated: “I rode the sprint race with the one I felt best on over the three days.” A statement that highlights his quick adaptation and instinct as a rider. Nevertheless, he remains cautious: “I need to understand better in Thailand, especially regarding aerodynamics.”
For him, every detail counts. “We need to understand all the information and data now,” he added. The quest for performance is an iterative process, and every piece of feedback is crucial to optimising the Ducati GP26.
When asked about the potential rideability of the new Ducati, Márquez noted: “I feel it is very similar, to be honest. We have made progress in some areas, but we saw last year that if you have a good base, you then try to improve different things.”
Marc Márquez has established a good base on the Ducati GP26.
However, identifying progress is no simple task. Riders anchored in their references from previous specifications must adjust their settings to evaluate the effectiveness of the developments. Márquez confirmed: “When you put on a new aerodynamic package, you have to slightly modify the balance of the motorcycle.” A process that requires an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
When asked about the effectiveness of the different versions of the fairing, he humorously dodged the question: “I don’t know, I’m sorry!”
A Beneficial Step Back According to Pecco Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia, one of Ducati’s spearheads, was more talkative about his impressions. After struggling with the 2025 version of the Ducati, he admitted to having positive feelings in Sepang. So much so that he confessed to having taken a certain step back by using the 2024 fairing at the front, while integrating developments on the sides.
Bagnaia specified: “It’s a mix of new fairings, an update of the 2025, but similar.” His gut feeling seems to give him a clear idea of the preferred configuration: “It’s not decided yet, but I think if we were to race tomorrow, I would choose the specification I used in the simulation.”
Pecco Bagnaia has regained good feelings with the Ducati GP26.
The Italian rider also exchanged thoughts with his team and engineers, emphasising the importance of a thorough understanding during the upcoming test in Thailand: “What I tested [on Thursday] was good for me, so we will decide in Thailand whether this is the solution or not.”
Additionally, he tested a new swingarm designed to improve grip at a different moment in the corner.
Progress Also for Di Giannantonio
Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was also present during these tests, shared his thoughts on the observed improvements. After a difficult past season, he felt a significant improvement in the behaviour of his motorcycle at the front. “For me, the biggest problem was finding those consistent feelings at the front, and here we had it more or less in all our attempts,” he said.
Di Giannantonio highlighted that the feelings at the front were much better, which already represents a good step forward. “We will see if we can reproduce it under different conditions in Thailand. That’s ultimately the key.”
Fabio Di Giannantonio also tested various configurations of the Ducati.
He added: “I wouldn’t say it’s significantly better now, but it’s certainly better in other areas, it’s more predictable.” Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the weather conditions on Wednesday slightly disrupted their testing programme.
He remains convinced that 90% of the package is already defined and looks forward to exploring the full potential of the Ducati during the tests in Thailand.
Gentle Discovery for Álex Márquez
Another key player in this adventure is Álex Márquez, who is discovering the Ducati GP26 after riding the GP24 last season. His first impressions are reassuring: “Really, really similar,” he says when comparing the two machines.
He notes that there are no major differences in the feelings: “The character of the motorcycle is quite similar. They have improved some things. I’m still trying to understand.”
Álex Márquez has tested new features but prefers a Ducati that is close to last year’s model.
Márquez is so attached to this character that he chose to ride the fairing used in the previous season. He explains: “The aero that I practically used all day [on Thursday] was the one I used last year.” A decision that reflects his desire to maximise his references.
Regarding the differences between the fairings, he noted: “One gives more braking, the other a bit more cornering, so it’s half and half.” A balance that he seems to master.
Few Developments Expected in Thailand
The Ducati GP26 were already in an almost final configuration in Sepang.
With two weeks ahead of them until the crucial test in Buriram, Ducati must now review all the tested parts. Bagnaia is confident in finding the best compromise that should bring improvements over the previous season: “I think the 2026 package is already set. I feel better than with the 2025.”
But should we expect completely new parts during the test in Thailand? Not really, according to Márquez: “No, no, no! I don’t know, you never know with Gigi [Dall’Igna], but I’ve heard we will have the same parts.” An answer that reflects the demands and rigour that characterise testing in MotoGP.
