A new season brings a new roster of bikes for the MotoGP factory riders, and the Ducati GP26 is arguably the most well-preserved prototype of the lot.
Following that success Mark Marquez Found in the first season of the factory Ducati Machinery last year, It is likely that the first flag will fall at the start of the 2026 campaign and the Spaniard will pick up where he left off.
The winter break has been filled with rest and recovery for the seven-time Premier Division title winner, who broke his neck in the final stages of 2025. Marquez was able to participate in some training sessions. As the pre-season preparations begin to intensify.
Qualified to take part in MotoGP’s first official test of the new term today at Sepang, he opened up to reporters about his latest thoughts on the new GP26.
- Read more: Jorge Lorenzo surprised by Marc Marquez’s personal response to Ducati targeting Pedro Acosta.
Picking up where he left off Is this the start of MotoGP title #8 for Marc Marquez? 🧐
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Marc Marquez’s quick reaction to GP26 on the first day of MotoGP testing at Sebang
Marquez finished the first test day on top Time sheets, clocks more than two-tenths of a second faster than Fabio di Giannantonio.
The Spaniard completed a total of 54 laps around the Sepang International sector, gaining good mileage.
to speak Make a mark Afterwards, Marquez noted his immediate understanding of Ducati’s new prototype and the challenges it will face during the season.
He said: “Technically, the fact that you can’t change the main, biggest part of the bike, which is the engine, means there are few changes, whether it’s up or down.
Here in the test, a lot of rubber on the track, everything is working well, but to have a good base you have to be active in different aspects, especially not only circuits like Malaysia, which are very long.
But the concept or the 2026 reforms, which we are gradually introducing, is a complex and difficult test, because the Thai test is very close to the competition, so many things must be decided here. “
When do you think Marc Marquez will retire from MotoGP?
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Marc Marquez is aiming for his eighth MotoGP World Championship this year.
If Marquez is successful in defending the Riders’ championship in his second year at Borgo Panigale, he will move ahead of former nemesis Valentino Rossi who is already one of the most successful premier class rivals on the leaderboard.
There are also Márquez has already set many Rossi records that he is likely to snatch. In the upcoming campaign from the Italian, including the most Grand Prix wins in the premier class, as well as the fastest lap record by a driver.
Marquez showed the highest respect for Rossi. Remembering how he fixed it last season, despite his passing success, he will surely hope to keep the bragging rights on the Doctor if he succeeds this year.
This season, though, the Spaniard will need to find his best form to rewrite the record books. Marquez needs 16 wins to overtake Rossi in that category, but is only two fastest laps away from stealing at least one record from him.
