Alex Marquez Confirmed to Ride Ducati GP26 in 2026
Fundacion Rapala – The speculation about Alex Marquez riding Ducati’s GP26 is now official. Ducati confirmed that the Gresini rider will use the latest machine in the 2026 MotoGP season. Moreover, this upgrade rewards his consistent podium finishes and solid results on the older GP24.
Performance That Earned the Promotion
With the GP24, Alex Marquez delivered an impressive campaign. He reached the podium 22 times in 32 races. In addition, his highlights include two wins, six runner-up finishes, and one third place. Consequently, these achievements placed him second in the standings, directly behind his brother, Marc Marquez.
Outperforming Factory Riders
Alex also outperformed Francesco Bagnaia, who had the benefit of the GP25. He collected 330 points, which is 93 more than Bagnaia. Therefore, his results prove his ability to compete at the very top, even without the latest equipment.
Riding a Factory-Level Machine
In his statement, Alex called the chance to ride the GP26 “an honor.” Furthermore, he credited both Gresini’s teamwork and Ducati’s trust for his progress. According to him, the upgrade marks “a step forward toward our dreams and the chance to perform even better in 2026.”
Support from Ducati and Gresini
Alex expressed gratitude to Nadia Padovani of Gresini and Ducati’s General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna. Their belief has motivated him throughout the season. As a result, he enters 2026 with renewed confidence and the backing of both team and manufacturer.
Equal Machinery with MotoGP’s Best
Starting in 2026, Alex will ride the same GP26 as Marc Marquez and Bagnaia. This means he will compete on equal machinery with two of the strongest riders in the world. Additionally, he will be one of only two non-factory riders with this privilege, alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio from VR46 Racing.
Why Ducati Made the Decision
According to Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s choice came after detailed evaluations. He explained that Ducati wanted to strengthen riders who consistently show promise. Consequently, awarding the GP26 to Alex is both a reward and an investment in Gresini’s growth.
What This Means for MotoGP 2026
The decision raises expectations for the upcoming season. With Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Alex all riding the GP26, competition at the front will intensify. Moreover, Ducati clearly aims to dominate not only with their factory team but also through strong satellite squads.
A Career-Changing Opportunity
For Alex Marquez, the GP26 represents more than a technical upgrade. It is a chance to establish himself as a genuine title contender. His 2025 results already proved his consistency. Now, with factory-level machinery, he finally has the tools to chase victories and possibly the championship.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Alex Marquez on the Ducati GP26 marks a turning point in his career. He proved his potential with podiums on an older bike. Therefore, with equal machinery next year, he will have the opportunity to fight for the world title. Supported by Gresini and Ducati, Alex enters 2026 with ambition, momentum, and strong expectations.