Ducati’s Gigi Dall’Igna says the brand must not panic and “continue working diligently”, after its tough start to the 2026 MotoGP season continued in Brazil.

The reigning world champion manufacturer had its 88-race podium streak snapped at the season-opening Thai Grand Prix, as Aprilia dominated the main race.

Marc Marquez won the sprint last weekend in Brazil, heading a 1-2, but Aprilia once again proved dominant in the grand prix as Fabio Di Giannantonio ended up just under four seconds from the win as Ducati’s leading rider in third.

Di Giannantonio is Ducati’s leading rider in the standings, 19 points down on Marco Bezzecchi, while reigning champion Marc Marquez is 22 points adrift.

Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna branded the Brazilian Grand Prix as “below expectations”, but urged the brand to avoid “panicking” at this stage of the season.

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“New venues are always fraught with uncertainties, particularly regarding technical set-ups and the tricky management of tyres and resources within the relentless pace of a race, with challenges amplified as they are by a field of rivals more competitive and consistent than ever,” Dall’Igna wrote in his post-race debrief.

“This for us proved to be a grand prix below expectations, in contrast with a brilliant qualifying round – where we secured pole position – followed by a win in Saturday’s sprint race.

“Nonetheless, it is mandatory for us to refine certain aspects and to continue working diligently, maintaining patience and composure without panicking.

“Our focus must be aimed at rediscovering our hallmark performance and the competitiveness necessary to “electrify” the whole team.”

Dall’Igan praised Marc Marquez’s “immense resolve” to win the sprint and finish fourth in the grand prix “as he struggled with pace and a sketchy feel for the bike”, while criticising Pecco Bagnaia’s “critical error in qualifying” that left him 11th on the grid.

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“Marc faced uncharacteristic difficulties, riding on the defensive as he struggled with pace and a sketchy feel for the bike,” he added.

“Despite this, he showed immense resolve, riding aggressively to extract every ounce of potential.

“However, even the resilience typical of a champion was not enough to overcome the day’s limitations.

“Compounding other technical issues, Bagnaia made a critical error in the qualifying round.

“On a track configured as this one, where overtaking is notoriously difficult, recovering from a compromised grid position to alter the race outcome becomes an arduous task indeed.”

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