Ducati has officially confirmed that Alex Marquez has earned a factory-spec MotoGP bike for the 2026 season, a decision driven by his exceptional performance throughout the current year. Despite riding machinery from the previous season, Marquez consistently challenged for podiums and victories, demonstrating a level of capability that convinced Ducati’s racing chief, Gigi Dall’Igna, that he was among the championship’s absolute protagonists.

Marquez’s strong showing began early in the 2025 season with three consecutive second-place finishes. Although his contract with Gresini Racing did not guarantee upgrades for his GP24 bike, he defied expectations. A minor late-season tweak was the only significant update, yet Marquez secured his maiden premier-class win at the Spanish Grand Prix, briefly leading the championship standings ahead of his brother, Marc Marquez.

His impressive run continued with further victories in Barcelona and Malaysia, underpinned by remarkable consistency that kept him second in the overall standings. Even a mid-season injury sustained at Assen, followed by a crash in Brno and subsequent difficult races in Austria and Hungary, did not derail his strong position, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Ducati’s decision to provide Marquez with a factory bike was further facilitated by VR46 Racing’s choice to forgo their second full-factory GP26 machine for 2026. This move, influenced by the high costs associated with running the latest specification bikes and VR46’s rider lineup inconsistencies, opened a clear pathway for Ducati to reward Marquez’s outstanding season.

While Alex Marquez will remain a rider for the privateer Gresini Racing team, he will receive equipment identical to that of the factory Ducati duo, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, as well as VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio. Ducati sources emphasized that this upgrade pertains to machinery and technical support, with his personal crew and box allocation remaining unchanged.

Ducati maintains that providing Marquez with a factory bike was not a contractual obligation but a clear recognition of his undeniable progression. The manufacturer stated that not doing so would have been a missed opportunity, especially considering the performance fluctuations of other riders. The brand’s philosophy prioritizes fostering intense competition among its riders, making Marquez’s advancement a strategic decision.

Looking ahead, the prospect of the Marquez brothers reuniting at the factory Ducati team in 2027 is considered unlikely by the manufacturer. Ducati’s stated philosophy focuses on cultivating internal rivalries rather than accommodating established partnerships within its premier squad. This approach aims to maximize competitive drive among its roster of talented riders.

Marc Marquez himself has downplayed the immediate possibility of a reunion, emphasizing that his and his brother’s career decisions will be based on sporting opportunities and individual projects. While acknowledging the appeal of racing alongside his brother, he recognizes the logistical and strategic complexities involved in such a move, suggesting it is not a primary objective for either rider.

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Keywords: Alex Marquez, Ducati MotoGP, factory bike, 2026 season, Gresini Racing, Gigi Dall'Igna, Marc Marquez, VR46 Racing