Alex Marquez Takes the Reins of Factory-Spec Ducati at Valencia Test

Valencia, Spain – Alex Marquez commenced preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season by debuting on the factory-spec Ducati GP26 at the Valencia test. The Gresini Racing star, who concluded the season as championship runner-up behind his elder brother Marc Marquez, will pilot the newest iteration of the Desmosedici while remaining with his current team.

With Marc Marquez still recovering from injury, Ducati Corse has tasked three riders with gathering crucial data on the GP26: Francesco Bagnaia, the two-time champion representing the factory team; Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 Racing, who has enjoyed similar privileges this year; and Alex Marquez.

Alex Marquez’s progression to the GP26 represents a two-year leap in machinery, having competed on the 2024-spec GP24 this season. This mirrors Marc Marquez’s transition at the beginning of the year, moving from the GP23 to the GP25.

During the Valencia GP, Marc Marquez expressed confidence in his brother’s feedback for the bike’s development, stating, "It’s true that Pecco is suffering more than usual, but he keeps showing flashes of speed. I respect the riders and the technical crews a lot, and I stay on the sidelines. We need him, because on Tuesday, we have a very important test, and both he and Alex will be in charge of guiding us toward that 2026."

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On Monday night, Alex Marquez was invited to the Ducati engineers’ truck in the paddock, an all-red trailer that the team brings to every European round. Inside, he received instructions on the work to be carried out during the test from over 20 technicians working under the guidance of Gigi Dall’Igna.

A Ducati team member revealed that Alex Marquez would have the same status as di Giannantonio, but without a factory contract. "From a technical standpoint, not much changes. Alex will continue with the same technical crew, with people from Gresini and from the factory, but he won’t have more than he’s had so far."

Gresini Racing: A History of Independent Success

Gresini Racing, founded by the late Fausto Gresini, has a long and successful history in MotoGP as an independent team. Over the years, the team has fielded riders such as Marco Melandri, Toni Elias, and the late Marco Simoncelli. In 2022, Gresini Racing returned to the MotoGP grid as an independent team after seven years of collaboration with Aprilia. The team immediately found success, with Enea Bastianini winning four races and securing a spot in the factory Ducati team for 2023.

Alex Marquez joined Gresini Racing in 2023 after a stint with LCR Honda. He quickly adapted to the Ducati Desmosedici, achieving multiple podium finishes and a victory in the Silverstone sprint race. His performance in 2024 solidified his position as a top contender in MotoGP.

The Ducati GP26: A Glimpse into the Future

The Ducati GP26 represents the next generation of the Desmosedici MotoGP bike. While specific details about the bike’s technical specifications remain closely guarded, Ducati Corse has indicated that the GP26 will feature advancements in aerodynamics, electronics, and chassis design. The engine, however, remains the same as this year’s model due to an engine freeze agreement.

Ducati’s MotoGP bikes have consistently been among the most competitive on the grid, known for their powerful engines and advanced electronics. The GP26 aims to further enhance these strengths while addressing areas for improvement, such as cornering performance and tire management.

Fermin Aldeguer’s Perspective

While Alex Marquez received the nod to test the factory-spec Ducati, Gresini Racing’s other rider, Fermin Aldeguer, acknowledged his disappointment at not receiving the same opportunity.

"As a rider, it annoys you not to have the best Ducati next year. But if they didn’t give it to me, my time will come," Aldeguer said. "In part, I deserved the factory bike because of my results and because I’ve always delivered and given good feedback. But there’s no need to rush – I just keep learning. Maybe I feel better with the GP25 than with the GP26."

Aldeguer, who will ride the GP25 in 2026, expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to the bike and contribute to its development. However, he acknowledged the challenges that other riders have faced on the GP25 this year, noting that "all riders other than Marc Marquez have faced difficulties."

Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Team: A Missed Opportunity?

The fourth factory bike, now allocated to Alex Marquez, was initially intended for Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team. However, VR46 declined the offer, opening the door for Ducati to reward Gresini Racing for Alex Marquez’s strong season.

The VR46 Racing Team, owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, has been a competitive force in the satellite ranks. While the team has enjoyed podium finishes and race wins, it has yet to receive full factory support from Ducati.

Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team has been a significant presence in MotoGP since its inception. Rossi, a nine-time world champion, retired from racing in 2021 but remains actively involved in the sport through his team and rider academy.

The team’s current riders are Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Bezzecchi has emerged as a rising star, securing multiple podium finishes and a victory in Argentina in 2023. Di Giannantonio, who joined the team in 2024, has also shown promise, with several top-ten finishes.

The Broader Context: 2026 MotoGP Season Preparations

The Valencia test marks the beginning of preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season. Teams and riders are using the test to evaluate new components, refine bike setups, and gather data for future development.

The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one, with several high-profile rider moves and technical changes expected. Marc Marquez’s move to the factory Ducati team has created a buzz, while other riders, such as Alex Rins and Joan Mir, are adjusting to new teams and machinery.

The MotoGP calendar typically consists of around 20 races, held at iconic circuits around the world. The season begins in March with the Qatar Grand Prix and concludes in November with the Valencia Grand Prix.

Rider Lineups and Team Dynamics

The MotoGP grid features a diverse mix of experienced veterans and young talents. The factory teams, such as Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, and KTM, typically field the most competitive riders and receive the latest technical innovations.

Satellite teams, such as Gresini Racing and VR46 Racing Team, play a crucial role in developing young talent and providing competitive racing platforms. These teams often receive support from the factory teams but operate with greater autonomy.

Team dynamics and rider relationships can significantly impact performance in MotoGP. Strong teamwork and open communication are essential for success, as riders rely on their engineers and mechanics to optimize bike setups and strategies.

The Valencia Test: A Glimpse into the Future

The Valencia test offers a valuable opportunity for teams and riders to assess their progress and prepare for the challenges ahead. While the track conditions on Tuesday were less than ideal due to rain, riders were still able to gather valuable data and provide feedback to their engineers.

As the 2026 MotoGP season approaches, the competition is expected to be fierce. With advancements in technology and rider talent, the battle for the championship will likely be closer than ever before. The Valencia test provides a glimpse into the future, showcasing the potential of the new machinery and the ambitions of the riders who will be competing for glory.

Engine Freeze and its Implications

Ducati’s GP26 features the same power unit as this year, as part of an engine freeze agreement that came into effect at the beginning of 2025. The engine freeze, agreed upon by MotoGP manufacturers, aims to control costs and promote closer competition.

Under the regulations, manufacturers are restricted from making significant changes to their engine designs during the homologation period. This means that teams must focus on optimizing other aspects of the bike, such as chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, to improve performance.

The engine freeze has implications for both manufacturers and riders. Manufacturers must carefully consider their engine design choices at the beginning of the homologation period, as they will be locked in for a significant amount of time. Riders must adapt to the characteristics of their engines and work with their engineers to extract maximum performance.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season

The 2026 MotoGP season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history. With a combination of established stars and rising talents, the competition for the championship is expected to be fierce.

The factory teams, such as Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, and KTM, are investing heavily in research and development to gain a competitive edge. Satellite teams, such as Gresini Racing and VR46 Racing Team, are also making strides, with talented riders and experienced personnel.

As the season approaches, fans around the world eagerly await the start of the action. The 2026 MotoGP season is set to deliver thrilling races, dramatic battles, and unforgettable moments.

Photos from Valencia November Test
(Gallery links to various photos from the Valencia test featuring riders and teams.)

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(Links to related articles about Alex Marquez and the Valencia MotoGP finale.)