Alex Marquez Embarks on 2026 Preparations with Factory-Spec Ducati Debut at Valencia Test

Valencia, Spain – Alex Marquez, the rising star of Gresini Racing, has commenced his preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season by debuting on the factory-specification Ducati GP26 at the Valencia test. This move marks a significant step in Marquez’s career, providing him with the latest machinery while remaining with his current team.

Having secured the runner-up position in the championship standings this year, trailing only his elder brother, Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez is poised to leverage the newest version of the Desmosedici. The Valencia test, held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, serves as a crucial opportunity for the Spaniard to acclimate to the advanced features of the GP26 and provide valuable feedback to Ducati engineers.

With Marc Marquez still recovering from injury, Ducati Corse has strategically deployed three riders to gather comprehensive data on the GP26. Francesco Bagnaia, the two-time MotoGP champion representing the official Ducati Lenovo Team, leads the testing efforts. Fabio Di Giannantonio, now with VR46 Racing Team, who previously enjoyed access to factory-spec machinery, joins Bagnaia in the data collection process. Alex Marquez’s inclusion completes the trio, ensuring a diverse range of rider feedback for the development of the GP26.

The transition to the GP26 represents a considerable leap for Alex Marquez, who campaigned on the 2024-spec GP24 this year. This upgrade mirrors the trajectory of Marc Marquez at the beginning of the year, when he transitioned from the GP23 to the GP25. Such advancements in machinery are instrumental in providing riders with the competitive edge necessary to challenge for race wins and championship titles.

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During the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix, Marc Marquez expressed his confidence in his brother’s ability to contribute to the development of the Ducati bike. "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," Marc Marquez stated, highlighting the significance of Alex’s input in shaping the future of Ducati’s MotoGP program.

On Monday night, amidst torrential rain, Alex Marquez was summoned to the Ducati engineers’ truck in the paddock. This trailer, a fixture at every European round, serves as the nerve center for Ducati’s technical operations, housing over 20 technicians under the direction of Gigi Dall’Igna, the General Manager of Ducati Corse.

Marquez spent approximately 30 minutes inside the truck, receiving detailed instructions on the testing program. The challenging track conditions on Tuesday may have necessitated adjustments to the original plan, but Marquez’s commitment to providing valuable data remained unwavering.

According to a Ducati team member, Alex Marquez will receive the same level of technical support as Di Giannantonio, despite not having a factory contract. "From a technical standpoint, not much changes. Alex will have the same status as di Giannantonio, but without having a factory contract," the team member explained to Motorsport.com. "As for the work, 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."

The allocation of a fourth factory bike, in addition to those designated for Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Di Giannantonio, was initially intended for the VR46 team. However, Valentino Rossi’s outfit declined the offer, paving the way for Ducati to extend it to Gresini for Alex Marquez as a reward for his stellar season. This switch to the current-year bike entails increased costs and logistical challenges for the team.

Gresini Racing also fields Fermin Aldeguer, who will ride a GP25 in 2026, the same bike as Franco Morbidelli. This could potentially impede Aldeguer’s progress, as riders other than Marc Marquez have encountered difficulties on the GP25 this year.

"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 remarked. "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."

Ducati’s GP26 incorporates the same power unit as this year’s machine, adhering to an engine freeze agreement that took effect at the beginning of 2025. This restriction on engine development underscores the importance of focusing on other areas of the bike, such as chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics, to gain a competitive advantage.

The Valencia test also featured several other notable debuts and evaluations. Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Turkish sensation from World Superbike, made his first appearance with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, providing valuable insights into the M 1000 RR.

Marco Bezzecchi, fresh from his move to Aprilia Racing, tested the RS-GP for the first time, familiarizing himself with the nuances of the Italian machine. Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, representing Yamaha Factory Racing, continued their efforts to improve the YZR-M1, focusing on engine performance, chassis balance, and aerodynamic efficiency.

The Valencia test serves as a critical juncture for MotoGP teams, providing an opportunity to assess new components, evaluate rider performance, and gather data for the development of future machinery. The insights gleaned from this test will shape the direction of MotoGP development over the winter months, laying the foundation for the 2026 season.

Background on Alex Marquez and Gresini Racing

Alex Marquez, born on April 23, 1996, in Cervera, Spain, is a highly accomplished motorcycle racer. He has secured two world championships, winning the Moto3 title in 2014 and the Moto2 title in 2019.

After graduating to MotoGP in 2020 with the Repsol Honda Team, Marquez faced challenges adapting to the premier class. However, his move to Gresini Racing in 2023 marked a turning point in his career. Riding a Ducati Desmosedici GP22, Marquez demonstrated his potential with consistent performances, including a victory at the British Grand Prix.

Gresini Racing, founded by the late Fausto Gresini in 1997, has a rich history in MotoGP. The team has achieved numerous race wins and podium finishes, establishing itself as a competitive force in the premier class. Following Fausto Gresini’s passing in 2021, his wife, Nadia Padovani, took over the reins, ensuring the team’s continued success.

Ducati Corse: A MotoGP Powerhouse

Ducati Corse, the racing division of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., is a dominant force in MotoGP. The Italian manufacturer has secured multiple riders’ and constructors’ championships, showcasing its engineering prowess and commitment to racing excellence.

Under the guidance of Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse has revolutionized MotoGP with its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. The Desmosedici, Ducati’s MotoGP machine, is renowned for its powerful engine, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated electronics.

Valencia Test: A Chronicle of Key Debuts and Evaluations

The Valencia test, held at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, served as a platform for several key debuts and evaluations, setting the stage for the 2026 MotoGP season.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): Razgatlioglu, known for his aggressive riding style and spectacular maneuvers in World Superbike, made his first appearance with BMW. His feedback will be crucial in guiding the development of the M 1000 RR.
Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing): Bezzecchi, a rising star in MotoGP, tested the Aprilia RS-GP for the first time, assessing its strengths and weaknesses. His transition to Aprilia Racing marks a significant change in the MotoGP landscape.
Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins (Yamaha Factory Racing): Quartararo and Rins continued their efforts to improve the Yamaha YZR-M1, focusing on engine performance, chassis balance, and aerodynamic efficiency. Yamaha is determined to regain its competitive edge in MotoGP.
Francesco Bagnaia and Nicolo Bulega (Ducati Lenovo Team): Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP champion, led Ducati’s testing efforts, providing valuable feedback on the GP26. Bulega, the reigning World Superbike champion, joins Bagnaia to test the bike.

The Valencia test also featured the debut of several rookies, who are eager to make their mark in the premier class. Pedro Acosta, the highly-rated Moto2 champion, tested the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine, showcasing his talent and potential.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As MotoGP teams embark on their winter break, they face a series of challenges and opportunities. The engine freeze agreement imposes limitations on engine development, requiring teams to focus on other areas of the bike to gain a competitive advantage.

The transition to the GP26 presents both opportunities and challenges for Alex Marquez. The advanced machinery provides him with the potential to challenge for race wins and podium finishes, but also requires him to adapt to new features and provide valuable feedback to Ducati engineers.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Valencia test serves as a crucial first step in the preparations for the 2026 MotoGP season. The insights gleaned from this test will shape the direction of MotoGP development over the winter months, laying the foundation for a highly competitive and thrilling season.

Alex Marquez’s debut on the factory-spec Ducati GP26 marks a significant milestone in his career. With his talent, determination, and the support of Gresini Racing and Ducati Corse, Marquez is poised to make a significant impact on the MotoGP landscape in 2026 and beyond.

The MotoGP world eagerly awaits the start of the 2026 season, anticipating the intense battles and thrilling performances that are sure to unfold. As teams continue to develop their machinery and riders hone their skills, the quest for MotoGP supremacy will continue.