Will he be reborn from his ashes in MotoGP?

Ducati at the crossroads: Will it be reborn from its ashes in MotoGP?

The historic Italian brand faces a performance crisis at the start of the 2026 season, while the competition strengthens.

Ducati's current situation in MotoGP is a clear reflection of the ups and downs of the sport. The iconic Borgo Panigale factory, known for its dominance in recent years, has started the 2026 season with a performance that leaves much to be desired. After several years of success, the results have been disappointing, generating uncertainty among both fans and within the team.

So far, only two of the six riders competing with Ducati have managed to reach the podium: Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. However, victory remains elusive. Despite their efforts, none of them have managed to achieve first position in either the Saturday Sprint races or the Sunday long tests. In particular, Ducati's last victory on the main day dates back to Alex Márquez's race in Malaysia, which means that the brand has chained four consecutive Grand Prix without being able to win.

Faced with this alarming situation, the internal analysis at Ducati intensifies. Michele Pirro, a key figure in the development of the motorcycle, has expressed his self-criticism in a recent interview. He recognizes that, although they have not gotten worse, his competitors have taken a significant step forward. “Since last year we have not gotten worse, but the others have improved. The first two races of 2026 prove it,” says Pirro, emphasizing the notable progress of brands like Aprilia.

Aprilia has emerged as one of the main contenders at the start of the campaign, standing out for its solid performance in various conditions. Pirro underlines the evolution of the Noale brand: “Marco Bezzecchi has nothing to prove; he raced for Ducati and was very strong. What is impressive is how Aprilia has managed to adapt with different riders. When all the riders are competitive on the same bike, it is a sign of great work; I congratulate them for that.” This renewed competition has highlighted the need for Ducati to adjust its approach if it wants to regain track supremacy.

A technical aspect that has contributed to Ducati's loss of competitiveness is the behavior of the bike with the hard rear tire. This factor has been decisive in races, especially on Sundays, where wear management is crucial. “The strange thing about the races in Brazil and Buriram is that we were competitive with the soft tire and we could have won. Aprilia has an advantage when there is less grip, using the medium tire, and we cannot do the same. We need to understand this aspect better,” explains Pirro, who is looking forward to the Austin Grand Prix as a decisive test to evaluate the team's progress.

Despite the difficulties, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Pirro has confirmed that the development of the new motorcycle in accordance with the 2027 regulations is about to begin its track testing. “We will hit the track next month. The new 850cc displacement presents changes, but the base allows little room for modifications. In addition, the tires will be different, and we still have a lot to learn in this process,” he adds. However, he clarifies that he has not yet been able to test the new machine in real conditions and that his previous experiences were based on the 1000cc version.

With the season progressing and its rivals in top form, Ducati faces a monumental challenge: it must not only solve its current problems, but also prepare for a new technical era that could redefine the balance of forces in the world of MotoGP. The upcoming events will be crucial to determine if the historic brand manages to regain its place at the top or if, on the contrary, it must give ground to its competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hasn't Ducati won in the 2026 season?

Ducati has faced technical problems, especially with the bike's behavior when using hard rear tires, which has affected its race performance.

Which Ducati riders have been on the podium so far?

Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are the only Ducati riders who have managed to get on the podium so far this season.

When was Ducati's last MotoGP victory?

Ducati's last victory in a Sunday race was in Malaysia, where Alex Márquez took the win.

How is Ducati responding to competition from Aprilia?

The team has recognized Aprilia's progress and is working to improve its performance and adapt to changing racing conditions.

What changes are expected with the new bike for 2027?

The new bike will have a displacement of 850cc and is expected to feature significant improvements, although it will take time to adapt to the new tires and regulations.

When will Ducati start testing its new motorcycle?

Ducati is scheduled to begin testing its new bike next month.

What do experts think about Ducati's future in MotoGP?

Experts believe that although Ducati faces significant challenges, its ability to adapt and evolve can lead to regaining its competitiveness.

What are the expectations for the next race in Austin?

The race in Austin will be a key test to evaluate the improvements that Ducati has implemented and its competitiveness against other teams.

Will Ducati continue to be a leader in MotoGP?

Ducati's future will depend on its ability to solve current problems and adapt to regulatory changes, as well as its performance in upcoming races.

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