Ducati’s six bikes allow it to gain ‘invaluable’ data on its rival manufacturers in MotoGP.
The 2026 MotoGP pre-season proved just that. Aprilia They have closed the gap. Ducati Ahead of the season opener at the Thai Grand Prix.
Although the Aprilia RS-GP may have been eclipsed by the Ducati GP26 on paper, Ducati still has advantages over other Italian manufacturers.
It’s the behind-the-scenes advantage that Ducati hold over their rivals that still gives them good results during the race weekend.
Ducati’s two satellite teams give them an advantage over Aprilia
After Buriram’s test, Moto.it Especially after the two-day test in Thailand, we discussed what advantages Ducati has over Aprilia.
Former MotoGP technical director Giulio Bernardel pointed out that Ducati having six bikes on the grid will help them gather more data and find the right set-up quickly during the race weekend.
Bernardel, “The Aprilia is technically very close, but the Ducati still has a couple of advantages, but they are more subtle than the 2025.
“They mainly lie in the amount of data they get. So the speed at which the teams can find the right set-up. And that’s an absolutely invaluable advantage for the race weekend.”
He continued: “Ducati still have an advantage with their engine handling, but by exactly how much is unknown. The Ducati engine still has this oversteer on the side, which allows you to control the rear tire better in the race.”
Marc Marquez returned to his old habits in the Buriram challenge
Again, Mark Marquez He heads into the MotoGP season as the championship favorite, but cracks appeared during the Buriram test.
During the two-day test in Thailand, Marquez crashed three times. It was later revealed that the Spaniard was unwell during the test leading up to the crash.
However, since the weekend in Thailand, there have been mixed opinions about Marquez ahead of the 2026 season.
Peter Bohm now feels that Marquez is more ‘vulnerable’ He was ruled out for the 2026 season due to injury. even if, Stefan Bradl believes it’s business as usual for Marquez. Like ‘always looking for a limit’.
