Ducati has laid its cards on the table: at the official launch, the factory team presented itself with confidence and ambition for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Ducati’s MotoGP factory team held its official presentation for the 2026 season on Monday. The traditional Italian brand unveiled its new Desmosedici GP26 and riders at its annual winter event, “Campioni in Pista,” in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
To mark the company’s 100th anniversary, the manufacturer unveiled a retro-inspired livery in a slightly darker red with white stripes, a design element that has been featured on several of its road models for decades.
Ducati had previously used white as one of its base colors in MotoGP before switching to an all-red design for the 2019 season.
Can Ducati top the 2025 season?
After an outstanding 2025 season, in which Ducati once again won the constructors’ title and Marc Marquez won the riders’ title, the factory team is preparing to continue its total dominance in MotoGP this year. In 2025, the factory team alone celebrated a total of 13 Grand Prix victories and 16 sprint victories.
The team is led by reigning world champion Marquez, who had to end his title season early due to injury. However, the Spaniard is now on his way back to full fitness and recently completed a promising first private test on the Ducati Panigale.
“2025 was a decisive moment in my life and my career. It was a challenge against all odds to prove to myself first that I could win again,” recalls the seven-time MotoGP champion. He believes that 2026 will be even more difficult to maintain his position in the field.
“But we have the ability to make the most of the Desmosedici GP package, which is the most competitive and reliable. My first goal is to regain my confidence as a rider after the injury, and then to perform well on the track with the team.” His first impressions are positive.
Bagnaia wants to be among the protagonists
His teammate Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia hopes to return to his former strength after a mixed 2025 season in which he rarely found the right feeling with the GP25. The Italian wants to have a say in the title race again.
“I’m leaving a challenging year behind me, but one that has taught me a lot and further strengthened my desire to get back on track with the new Desmosedici GP as soon as possible. It was important to persevere until the end, never give up, face every situation, and learn from every experience.”
2026 has special significance in light of Ducati’s 100th anniversary. He is all the more excited to “see the entire Ducati team again, get back to work, be among the protagonists, and have fun.”
Development of the GP26 on the back burner?
The new Desmosedici GP26 was presented as a further development of the proven Ducati concept. The manufacturer from Borgo Panigale is relying on its strong performance base and many years of technical expertise to remain competitive in all areas – aerodynamics, engine performance, and driving dynamics.
Since the engines for manufacturers in concession ranks A to C are frozen, there is not much leeway for Ducati here either. In addition, development will focus early on next year, when new rules come into effect, in parallel with the 2026 season.
The Ducati management team continues to lead the Italian MotoGP project, with experienced figures such as CEO Claudio Domenicali, MotoGP sporting director Luigi Dall’Igna, and team manager Davide Tardozzi, who also accompanied the launch.
MotoGP preseason continues to gather momentum
This was already the fourth MotoGP team presentation this preseason, after Pramac-Yamaha, VR46-Ducati, and Aprilia unveiled their bikes and riders last week. The test season begins at the end of February with the shakedown in Sepang, followed by the official test with all regular riders. For Ducati, the aim is to confirm last year’s strong form and reignite the hunger for the title. The challenge from other manufacturers such as Aprilia, which has already moved up to 2025, remains great, as do the expectations of the fans.
