Ducati are finalising their MotoGP plans for the 2026 season. The six-rider line-up is unlikely to change, but there could still be important developments.
The only rider on an expiring contract, Franco Morbidelli is set for an extension at VR46. However, he doesn’t yet know what bike he’ll be riding.
As it stands, VR46 field one factory-spec Ducati, which goes to Fabio di Giannantonio. Morbidelli is riding the GP24, along with Gresini duo Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez.
RIDERTEAMBIKEMarc MarquezDucatiGP25Francesco BagnaiaDucatiGP25Fabio di GiannantonioVR46GP25Franco MorbidelliVR46GP24Alex MarquezGresiniGP24Fermin AldeguerGresiniGP24Ducati’s MotoGP roster
That reflects VR46’s status as the second-in-command Ducati team following the split with Pramac. But there have recently been suggestions that Luigi Dall’Igna is looking to expand the pool of top-of-the-range bikes available.
VR46 don’t want two factory bikes from Ducati for 2026
Speaking to Sky Italy at the Austrian Grand Prix, VR46 boss Uccio Salucci confirmed that Dall’Igna and Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli had been in touch to offer a second factory bike. But after internal meetings, which have naturally involved Valentino Rossi, they have declined.
This could be a cost-saving measure – some feel Rossi views VR46 as a business and prioritises profit above sporting success. But equally, the difference in performance between the last two Desmosedici motorcycles has been minimal.
Indeed, Dall’Igna said Ducati hadn’t made major gains over the winter, and it will be even harder to find lap time for 2026 as the sport nears the end of a rule cycle. VR46 are satisfied with their current dynamic.
After all, the younger Marquez brother is second in the championship, above Francesco Bagnaia, and Morbidelli is only five points behind Di Giannantonio on the older bike despite missing three races.
“I’ve spoken a lot with Gigi about this situation, and also with Mauro,” said Salucci. “Naturally, they proposed it to us first.
“We’ve had a few meetings, also with Vale, and we’ve reasoned that we plan to continue with the current situation, with one factory and one non-factory. So, what others do is not my business.”
What Ducati are saying about Gresini’s Alex Marquez riding a factory bike next year
In an interview with the same broadcaster, Grassilli confirmed that Alex Marquez could be in line for an upgrade heading into next year. It would be a reward for by far his finest MotoGP season to date.
Grassilli wanted to stress that no decision has been made yet, with Gresini pondering whether to take on the greater expense and responsibility. The two teams have been aligned since the start of 2022.
“It’s on the table, but we’re still in the analysis phase for both Ducati and Gresini,” he said. “Managing a factory bike is complex, both technically and financially. It’s an evaluation we’re making with them, but we’re still far from making a decision.”
Previous reports had claimed that Marquez’s teammate Fermin Aldeguer was contractually entitled to a factory bike for 2026. It’s true, it’s unclear how Ducati plan to handle a delicate situation.
Marc Marquez could lobby for his brother to join the official team in 2027 if he continues to outperform Bagnaia. It would be difficult to persuade Ducati to let go of the two-time world champion, though, given the strength of their bond.