Alex Marquez Downplays Factory Ducati Audition Despite Coveted GP26 Upgrade

Alex Marquez, the Gresini Racing MotoGP rider, has stated that his upcoming ride on the factory-spec Ducati GP26 will be primarily a personal test of performance, rather than an explicit audition for a coveted factory Ducati seat in the 2027 season. This announcement comes as Ducati prepares to expand its supply of factory-level bikes from three to four in the coming year.

Marquez, who currently pilots a year-old Ducati machine, is set to receive the same advanced equipment as official factory riders Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, as well as Fabio di Giannantonio of the VR46 Racing Team. This upgrade reflects Marquez’s impressive performances on the GP24 this season, which have evidently prompted Ducati to furnish him with the latest-specification motorcycle.

While the Spaniard is considered a potential candidate for a factory Ducati ride in 2027, the move to the GP26 provides Ducati with the opportunity to directly compare his performance metrics against other top riders within the Ducati ecosystem.

However, Marquez, 29, maintains that he does not perceive the 2026 season as a formal evaluation process, but rather as a crucial opportunity to showcase his capabilities on the most competitive machinery available.

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"No, I don’t see it that way [as an evaluation]," Marquez stated during a press conference in Madrid. "I see it more as a test for myself. It’s about getting the most you can out of your garage, so there’s no doubt about what might have happened [with the latest bike]."

Marquez emphasized that the prospect of riding the GP26 does not induce additional pressure. "And honestly, this doesn’t make me more nervous, but rather gives me peace of mind," he added.

Marquez recently secured second position in the riders’ championship at the Malaysian Grand Prix, establishing an unassailable lead over Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia with two rounds remaining in the season.

This achievement represents a significant milestone for Marquez, who had not previously secured a race win or finished higher than eighth in the overall standings prior to the 2025 season.

Marquez secured the Moto3 title in his second season in 2014 and replicated that success in Moto2 six years later, but his transition to MotoGP proved more challenging.

After a difficult two-year period at LCR Honda, there was a risk that Marquez would leave MotoGP altogether. However, his move to Gresini Racing in 2023 revitalized his career, and he made further progress this year on the GP24.

While Marquez jokingly referred to himself as "the first of the losers" this year, his runner-up position holds significant personal importance, both in terms of his recovery from past struggles and because his brother, Marc Marquez, secured the title.

When asked to compare his second-place finish in MotoGP to his title-winning seasons in the lower classes, Marquez stated, "It’s similar. It’s similar because it’s a second place, but it’s not a normal second place for me."

He continued, "My way in MotoGP was not easy. I started in 2020 in a really good way with two podiums, being a rookie in Repsol Honda, but later on, I moved to LCR and I suffered there for two years. I was nearly at home in 2023."

"Just a piece of luck or something like that I had the opportunity at Gresini [after LCR]. For that reason, it’s really special."

"I’m second, I’m the first of the losers. But the winner is my brother, so it’s a different way, a different feeling."

"It was a perfect thing. It’s special from the way that we are coming from the place that we are coming from. For that reason, it’s a really good second place."

Having secured the runner-up position in the championship, Marquez’s next objective is to contend for the title in 2026, but to achieve this goal, he must overcome his brother, Marc Marquez.

"I’ll never say Marc is unbeatable, but it’s very difficult," he said. "The pressure he puts you under, always pushing to the limit from the first lap on Friday."

"It’s hard to accept; the difficult thing is having the precision he has. Nobody is unbeatable, but beating him in 22 races is very difficult."

Despite the exceptional performances of both Marquez brothers this year, the younger Marquez believes that further progress can be achieved by integrating elements of their respective riding styles.

"I lack Marc’s explosiveness and he lacks the composure I have," he explained. "We’ve both improved, but I envy Marc’s explosiveness more than his composure; it’s what has given Marc more titles."

"I’m going to continue being the same. And if I do change, I hope they give me a little nudge."

Team and Rider Background

Gresini Racing is an independent team in MotoGP, known for its competitive spirit and ability to extract strong performances from satellite machinery. The team has a long history in motorcycle racing, having competed in various classes and achieved success over the years.

Alex Marquez joined Gresini Racing in 2023 after a challenging period with LCR Honda. His move to the team marked a turning point in his MotoGP career, allowing him to rediscover his form and demonstrate his potential.

The Ducati GP24 is the latest-specification motorcycle from Ducati, known for its powerful engine, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated electronics. The bike has been dominant in recent seasons, with Ducati riders consistently achieving race wins and championship titles.

Statistical Overview

Alex Marquez’s 2025 Season: Runner-up in the MotoGP World Championship, secured at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Previous Best Result: Eighth in the MotoGP World Championship prior to 2025.
Moto3 Won in 2014.
Moto2 Won in 2019.
Team: Gresini Racing.
Motorcycle: Ducati GP24 (2025), Ducati GP26 (2026).

Future Prospects

Alex Marquez’s move to the factory-spec Ducati GP26 represents a significant opportunity for him to compete at the highest level of MotoGP. While he downplays the audition aspect, his performances on the GP26 will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by Ducati management as they consider their rider lineup for the 2027 season.

Marquez’s focus on personal improvement and extracting the maximum potential from the machinery at his disposal suggests a mature and determined approach. His ability to learn from his brother, Marc Marquez, and integrate elements of his riding style could prove crucial in his quest to challenge for race wins and championship titles.

The upcoming season will be a critical test for Alex Marquez, as he seeks to establish himself as a top contender in MotoGP and secure his future with Ducati or another leading team.

Upcoming Fixtures

The MotoGP season continues with the final two rounds, providing Marquez with further opportunities to showcase his abilities and solidify his position as a leading rider in the championship. The remaining races are crucial for both team and individual standings, adding further significance to each event.