Marc Marquez admits the Ducati GP26 has slowed him down

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Marc Marquez admits the Ducati GP26 has slowed him down

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Archer | Last updated May 7, 2026 12:03 PM ET

Marc Marquez has acknowledged that he’s now “considerably slower”, especially in left-hand corners, because of his lack of feeling for the front end of the Ducati GP26 during the 2026 season.

Marquez has long been recognised for his dominance through left-hand turns, a skill that became a defining part of his riding style. His ability to carry extra speed through those sections was key to his repeated success at tracks like Sachsenring.

Marquez is heading into this year’s Le Mans race still searching for form. Despite winning the Sprint Races in Brazil and Jerez earlier in the season, he has yet to stand on a Grand Prix podium in 2026. So far, his best finish remains fourth place, and he crashed out at Jerez.

Marc Marquez ‘struggling’ with speed and front grip on Ducati GP26

Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images

After crashing out of second place early in the Jerez Grand Prix, questions have surfaced about whether Marquez is coping with the higher cornering speeds that have become standard in 2026. The Spaniard has been vocal about his lack of confidence with the front end of the GP26.

When asked how this year’s bike compares to last year’s title-winning machine, Marquez told AS: “Well, I’m noticing it more in fast corners. That’s where I’m struggling the most, especially in left-hand corners, where I’m going considerably slower than last year.

“But it’s the combination of everything. So you try to find time elsewhere, you put that aspect under more scrutiny. But it’s true that if I want last year’s bike, I have it.

Zarco noted: “Yes. Since Moto2 he has always had a lot of strength through left-hand corners and braking on left-handers. With all his injuries over the years he may have lost something over time. But Marc is not defined by one thing.”

Zarco then tried to explain why Marquez has still struggled for wins despite there being clear traits in his riding style that do not make sense to others: “It seems strange when a rider who has been world champion does things differently from you.

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

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