By now, most of us have heard the news — Alex Marquez will be riding a factory-spec Ducati in 2026.
But what do the fans think? Is this well-deserved? Are Ducati making the right decision? And what
does this mean for Alex’s 2026 season?
I’ve spent some time digging through fan forums and MotoGP communities because I wanted to get a
true sense of how the fans feel about this decision. While the overall reactions are unsurprising, there
are a few interesting questions that came up. So, let’s shine a light on those.
Well-Earned, But With a Few Questions
For the most part, fans seem to agree that Alex Marquez has earned this opportunity. Given his
performance this season and how he’s stacked up against other Ducati riders, many feel it’s a smart
call from Ducati to give him a factory bike. There’s a sense of excitement around seeing Marquez on
near equal footing with Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. However, a few fans have raised some intriguing points that are worth exploring.
The Big Question: Will the GP26 Be As Good As the GP24?
One of the most common concerns among fans is whether the 2026 Ducati GP26 will be as
competitive as the GP24, which many believe is a standout bike. It’s a valid question. With Ducati
freezing certain engine developments through 2026, there’s a sense that the GP26 might just be a
very refined version of the GP25, rather than a full leap forward.
So, does this mean Alex Marquez could face some serious challenges in 2026? Some fans worry that
if the GP26 doesn’t show significant improvement over the GP25, it could be harder for Alex to make
the most of his factory-spec bike, especially when compared to the GP24 he’s currently riding.
A Deeper Look at the GP25: Is it Really That Different?
Let’s take a closer look at what we know about the GP25 and how it stacks up. This season, three
Ducati riders have been on the GP25 — Bagnaia, Marquez, and Diggia. But only one of them, Pecco
Bagnaia, had the GP24 to compare it with from last year.
By Round 14 of the 2024 season, Bagnaia had racked up 7 wins and 10 podiums on the GP24. Fast
forward to this season, and Bagnaia, now riding the GP25, has yet to win a Grand Prix and only has 3
podiums to his name at the same point in the championship.
This raises an important question: is the GP25 really an upgrade over the GP24, or has it shown itself
to be a bit of a step back? Many fans, myself included, believe the GP24 was simply a superior bike,
and now we’re left wondering, will the GP26 help or hinder Alex if there’s no marked improvement
over the GP25?
A Factory Bike, But Not a Factory Seat
In the end, While it’s a huge opportunity for Alex Marques, it’s not a guaranteed path to success. The
excitement is there, but there are plenty of unknowns.
With the freeze on engine developments and the question marks around the GP25’s true
performance, it’s hard to say whether the GP26 will be a true step forward or just a refined version of
what’s come before. Fans are hopeful, but cautiously optimistic. The 2026 season could go in many
directions, and it’ll be fascinating to see how Alex fares.
