Alex Marquez admits ‘all’ Ducati riders share same issue with GP26

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Alex Marquez admits ‘all’ Ducati riders share same issue with GP26

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Archer | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 3:42 PM ET

Alex Marquez admits all Ducati riders see same problem with GP26 but for different reasons

Gresini’s Alex Marquez says every Ducati rider shares the same view about corner entry problems on the Desmosedici GP26, but they don’t all agree on what’s causing it.

Ducati had produced the best bike on the grid in recent years, but the GP26 appears to have fallen behind the Aprilia RS-GP in terms of being the best machine. The United States Grand Prix last time out even proved that Michelin’s heat-treated rear tyre carcass is not the cause.

The harder rear tyre carcass that Michelin brought to Thailand and Brazil seemed to suit Aprilia’s 2026-spec RS-GP more than it did Ducati’s GP26. Reports from March suggested Ducati thought the stiffer construction helped Aprilia, which led them to believe they’d be closer in Texas.

But it was Marco Bezzecchi who stayed unbeaten by leading every lap of COTA, maintaining his perfect start to 2026. VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio was top-finishing Ducati rider, but he still finished almost seven seconds behind Bezzecchi at COTA.

Alex Marquez says there is no clear agreement among Ducati riders over GP26’s corner entry struggles

Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

Aprilia’s impressive start to 2026 has also sparked talk of Ducati potentially receiving concessions later in the season for the first time, while Marc Marquez’s shoulder injury continues to add to their early setbacks.

This year, all four riders on the GP26 have pointed out its handling in corners as a key issue. However, there isn’t a shared opinion on what’s behind it.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he explained: “It’s true that we, especially all the Ducati riders, are struggling a bit at certain points, particularly corner entry, and that’s where we’re having trouble.”

“The important and positive thing is that all the riders agree, with slightly different explanations, but we all agree on the same problem, and Ducati can focus on that.

“But it’s also true that Aprilia have taken a very important step forward. They finished last year very well, and this year they’ve taken another one.”

“So, Ducati are working incredibly hard. As a rider I’m also trying to take small steps forward and get a little more out of it. And I think we’re not that far off but we’d like to be closer.”

Ducati handed Alex Marquez a factory-spec GP26 after his strong 2025 season with Gresini when he finished runner-up in the championship using an older model. His brother Marc topped those standings on the GP25.

The transition hasn’t been smooth so far this season though with Alex sitting eighth in the standings heading into Jerez this weekend – 53 points behind Bezzecchi after three rounds.

Di Giannantonio leads all Ducati riders with 50 points and claimed their only podium so far with third place in Brazil. Marc Marquez has collected 45 points while Bagnaia sits further back in ninth place overall.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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