Marc Marquez’s prediction comes true as Ducati promise Alex Marquez a game-changing 2026 ‘reward’

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Alex Marquez picked up the second victory of his MotoGP career at the Catalan Grand Prix last weekend. And as a result, he’s about to take on an improved position in the Ducati hierarchy.

It should have been a sweep for the younger Marquez brother, who took his second premier-class pole on Saturday. He was in control of the Sprint race before crashing out, which handed victory to Marc.

Still, his triumph on Sunday saw him end his sibling’s seven-race winning streak. His grip on second place in the standings is now tight enough to preclude any debate.

Marquez Jr has never previously finished higher than second in the standings, but he’s ascended to another level this year at the age of 29. He’s upstaged not only Fabio di Giannantonio, who’s riding a GP25 at VR46, but also factory rider Francesco Bagnaia.

Alex Marquez in line to ride a factory-spec Ducati in 2026

Speaking to Marca, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi promised that Marquez would receive a technical ‘reward’ ahead of the 2026 season. Luigi Dall’Igna’s philosophy is to recognise outstanding performance.

“We will reward him,” said Tardozzi. “Alex will receive a technical award. Gigi Dall’Igna always remembers the fast drivers, so Alex will surely have something else.”

Tardozzi did clarify that he’s not guaranteed a factory-spec bike, adding: “The GP26? I’m not saying that.”

However, Marca’s ‘sources’ indicate that Ducati will indeed offer Marquez Jr a top-of-the-range Desmosedici for next year. His performance in Barcelona cleared up any ‘doubts’ over whether factory-contracted teammate Fermin Aldeguer might be ahead of him in the queue.

Gresini can afford to buy a GP26, but they’ve taken a ‘cautious’ stance and deferred to Ducati. Everything points to Marquez riding identical machinery to his brother, though.

What Marc Marquez said about Ducati offering ‘gifts’ to his brother

Previous reports had indicated that Aldeguer was guaranteed a 2026 Ducati if one became available. This may not be the case, or it could be tied to his performances.

Aldeguer produced a spectacular ride to second place at the Austrian GP, but he’s finished 16th and 15th in the two races since. That highlights his youthful inconsistency, with the gap to his teammate now 178 points.

Speaking back in April, Marc Marquez predicted Alex would receive ‘gifts’ if he maintained his strong form. It seems he read the situation perfectly.

The story could soon turn to whether he has a chance of a factory ride for 2027. But he may suffer from lacking the celebrity status of a rider like Fabio Quartararo or Pedro Acosta.