Why did VR46 refuse a second GP26 for 2026?

Following VR46's disinterest in the GP26, Álex Márquez has inherited the fourth and final factory Ducati for next season. A strong choice from Valentino Rossi's team brand.

While Marc Márquez could win an eighth world championship title in Motegi (Japan) if he beats his brother Álex Márquez by three points this weekend, the latter has secured a GP26 for next season. I'm super happy for myself, but especially for the team. " he told the official website of the MotoGP that holds the top spot. " It is an honor to be able to race with an official bike in the Gresini team, added the youngest of the Márquez brothers. The team has worked impeccably for many seasons, and I believe this is a reward for everyone, for me and for the entire team. It's another step towards our dreams and to do even better in 2026. »

For his teammate Fermín Aldeguer, he is perfectly " normal " that Marquez, currently second in the championship, recovers one of the three factory models. Michele Masini also congratulated the championship runner-up for this vote of confidence granted by Ducati. " He totally deserves it, and we're very proud of this achievement for Alex, after his efforts and the results he's achieved this season, the Italian insisted. And also for the team's efforts, because since 2022 we've continued to improve season after season. I'm very proud of that. »

Before moving on to the next model, both driver and manager are now focusing on the end of the 2025 championship. But first and foremost, we have to finish this season in style. " Marquez stressed. " We now have to focus on finishing this championship to try to secure second place, at least. " also shared Masini.

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Inheriting the GP26 is an honor, certainly, but also an additional pressure on the shoulders of the Gresini driver who will have to face the levels of demands that come with driving a GP26. We're definitely going to be changing our approach a little bit during all the testing and everything, he acknowledged. We'll have more things to try, more things to work on, etc. So, yes, we'll have twice as much work. » Especially since having a bike of the year is not a guarantee of improved performance: Francesco Bagnaia, last year's title contender and beaten by Jorge Martin in the last round, is having a hard time acclimatizing to the GP25 this season, a bike with which his teammate Marc Márquez is doing wonders. The Italian has returned in recent weeks to a hybrid version of the 2024 and 2025 Desmosedici, which gives him better sensations and allowed him to win his first sprint race of the season this Saturday.

Márquez takes advantage of VR46's refusal

For next season, Ducati has naturally taken two of the four latest-generation models and supplied the remaining GP26s to Fabio Di Giannantonio and Álex Márquez. The other riders will ride last season's GP25s. For the main rider to inherit the latest factory Ducati, VR46 had to adapt the model originally intended for Franco Morbidelli. This year, Fabio Di Giannantonio is riding the GP25 while his teammate is riding a GP24. I have a contract with Ducati. I signed it last year. We signed a two-year contract, so it doesn't change anything for me. " said the Italian about the GP26 awarded to the younger Márquez.

Asked about these statements, Gresini's manager avoided the subject. It's not up to me to answer VR46, it would be better to talk to Ducati. I think Gresini has had incredible seasons regardless. We just focus on our work. »

Is VR46 betting on the right horse?

But the main question comes from VR46's refusal to take advantage of two motorcycles of the year. We had the option to get the same bike for Franco and we decided not to take it, that's why Ducati gave the bike to Gresini " assured Pablo Nieto, VR46 team manager. The team is therefore choosing stability: the security of a well-known, fast GP25, which has proven itself in the hands of Fabio Di Giannantonio, against a still-unclear GP26. We think that in the end, the change will not be very important between the 2025 bike and the 2026 bike because it will be the same engine, practically the same bike […] We can see that the 2025 bike, for example with Marc and Diggia, is fantastic, so we decided to do it like that. »

In 2026, however, Ducati is not expected to present a bike that is a complete departure from its predecessor, as the brand's engines and aerodynamics are already among the most advanced on the grid. The Italian team, still the favorite despite Aprilia's rise to power, is mainly preparing for 2027 and the expected upheaval with the new technical regulations.

Despite having to contend with a GP24 this season, Álex Márquez impressed by scoring 330 points (before the Japanese GP), finishing second to his brother, the overwhelming leader. Marc Márquez, on the other hand, has a more recent GP25. Finishing runner-up with an older model inevitably raises the question: what will Álex Márquez be able to show in 2026, when the two brothers finally compete with the same equipment? The comparison will then be inevitable, while Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio will also have arguments to make.