Photo: Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
Alex Marquez to ride Ducati GP26 factory-spec bike in 2026
Ducati has confirmed that Alex Marquez will race the latest GP26 factory-spec machine in 2026. The Spaniard will line up alongside Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio as one of four riders with access to Ducati’s newest MotoGP bike.
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Ducati has announced that Alex Marquez will ride a full-factory spec MotoGP bike in 2026, making him the fourth rider to have the latest version of the Ducati. He will join his brother Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and the VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio with this privilege.
Next year will be the final season under the current technical rules before MotoGP introduces major changes in 2027. Ducati will expand from three to four riders in current-spec bikes, but has ruled out supplying six identical motorcycles due to production limits and existing contracts. The fourth GP26 will go to Gresini Racing, where Alex Marquez currently races.
The decision was communicated to all teams last weekend at Misano. Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team turned down the chance to run two top-spec bikes, so Ducati awarded the extra bike to Alex, who is having an excellent season and is currently second in the championship.
Earlier this year, Ducati had considered giving all six of their riders the same GP26 model. However, Marc Marquez’s strong results on the GP25 convinced the factory to stick with four factory bikes and two older versions instead.
This means that Fermin Aldeguer, who joined Ducati with a promise of a full factory bike in his second year, will not get one in 2026. To make up for this, Ducati has offered him benefits aimed at supporting his long-term future in the team. Gigi Dall’Igna, the engineer who pushed for Aldeguer’s signing, is pleased with the rookie’s debut season. Aldeguer is on course to be named Rookie of the Year and is still seen as an important part of Ducati’s future.
Meanwhile, Ducati and Gresini are in talks about adjusting their partnership so that Nadia Padovani’s team is officially recognised as Ducati’s second squad. This would further highlight Alex Marquez’s role after his strong 2025 season.
Alex Marquez extended his deal with Gresini last year to cover 2025 and 2026. What remains uncertain is whether his improved position within Ducati’s rider line-up will lead to a different status for the coming season.
