Ducati to increase the number of factory bikes to four in 2026 – VR46 rejects the second Ducati factory bike – Gresini and Alex Marquez benefit from the decision
In the ourceURL:about:four instead of three current factory bikes. After the summer break, the plans took shape. Since this year, VR46 has been the official factory-supported satellite team, while Gresini remains a private team. Nevertheless, Gresini has access to all data, but additional Ducati engineers work in the VR46 pit.
Finally, after many discussions, the decision was made that Alex Marquez will get the fourth GP26 in the Gresini team next year and not VR46 for Franco Morbidelli. Both teams will receive one GP26 and one GP25 each.
“We will have a factory bike for Di Giannantonio, which is the GP26, and a 2025 factory bike for Franco,” VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto confirmed to MotoGP.com. “We are continuing with our previous plan.”
The former 125cc class racer also revealed: “We had the option of taking the new bike for Franco as well, but we decided against it. That’s why Ducati gave this bike to Gresini.”
The Gresini team was delighted with the technical upgrade, as it means that next year Alex Marquez will be riding the same bike as his older brother Marc Marquez in the factory team. This is also recognition for his strong season so far.
“Yes, absolutely deserved,” says Gresini team manager Michele Masini at MotoGP.com. “I’m really proud of his performance, Alex’s commitment and his results this season, but also of the work of the entire team.”
“I think that since 2022, we have improved continuously year after year, with each season better than the last. I’m really proud of that.“ Alex Marquez has an excellent chance of finishing the season as runner-up in the world championship. What does Masini say about Nieto’s statement that Gresini will only get the GP26 because VR46 turned down a second GP26? ”It’s not up to me to speak for VR46. It’s better to talk to Ducati about that. I think Gresini has had a great season.“
Why VR46 is foregoing a second GP26
There is a reason why VR46 has turned down a second GP26. ”The goal is always to have two identical bikes, of course, because it makes our work much easier,” says Nieto. “Of course, we wanted two identical bikes, but you also have to understand that this project depends on the budget and many other factors.”
“Obviously, the cost of two factory bikes is a little higher for the team – that’s clear. That’s the crucial point. We would like to have two identical factory bikes, but at the moment we have to work with what we have available.”
“Of course, we can also work with different bikes. I think we’re doing really well in that regard. The difference between the two bikes is obviously there, but it’s not as big as it normally is between two specifications.”
The step from the GP23 to the GP24 was big, but the one between the GP24 and GP25 was much smaller. And since engine development has been frozen, the GP26 is expected to be very similar to the GP25.
In addition to the financial aspect, this also played a role in VR46’s decision. “For example, the jump from the 23 to the 24 was enormous—the bike was completely different, it was a much bigger step,” Nieto told MotoGP.com.
“There are differences between the 24 and the 25, but they are not that significant. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to change it. And that’s exactly why we decided to stick with this approach – because the difference between 26 and 25 is unlikely to be that big either.”
Nevertheless, Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio in particular had difficulties fully realizing the potential of the GP25 this year. So is it an advantage for Ducati to have four factory bikes instead of three next year?
“Good question,” Nieto ponders. “To be honest, I don’t know—it could be. Because, in the end, an extra bike on the track naturally means more information for Ducati to work with.”
“At the same time, however, it’s clear that the 27 will be a different bike. Nevertheless, there are many elements that can be adopted and used on both bikes. That means you can also make progress with it and see how development continues.”
Gresini has practically already won this year’s duel between the two Ducati satellite teams. In the team standings, the racing team is on course for second place in the World Championship, while VR46 is in third place.