How Fermin Aldeguer reacted after Ducati gave Alex Marquez a factory bike instead for 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Ducati have elected to give Alex Marquez a factory-spec bike for the 2026 season in recognition of his stellar performances this year. Gresini teammate Fermin Aldeguer loses out as a result.

With factory rider Francesco Bagnaia nearly 100 points behind, Marquez is almost certain to finish second in the championship behind his brother – by far the best showing of his career. He’s taken his first two Grand Prix victories, another in the Sprint, and scored a total of 20 podiums.

Ducati planned to give Aldeguer a GP26, reflecting his status as the future face of the brand. But he’s now expected to remain on an older specification instead.

Aldeguer has scored four podiums this season but sits almost 200 points and six places adrift of his teammate in the standings. He offered his first reaction to Luigi Dall’Igna’s decision in an interview with MARCA before the Japanese Grand Prix.

Fermin Aldeguer says Alex Marquez deserves a Ducati GP26

Aldeguer admits there are several reasons that Marquez deserves the upgrade in machinery. In addition to his results, his ‘experience’ will mean he can make a stronger contribution to Ducati’s development.

Marquez has thrashed his rookie teammate 15-1 in the qualifying head-to-head and also beat him in 22 of the 26 races that both have finished. On that basis, it would have been difficult for Ducati to justify favouring Aldeguer.

The 20-year-old still thinks his ‘great potential’ merited a GP26, but he’s relaxed about the situation. He strongly hinted that he expects to be racing for Ducati eventually.

• READ MORE: Some Ducati staff privately think one rider is capable of beating Marc Marquez in a ‘straight fight’

Asked who was more deserving of the 2026 bike, he said: “In terms of results, Alex, because he’s second in the World Championship, has won the official races, is constantly on the podium and fighting for victories, has more experience, knows how to transmit better feedback and sensations from the bike.”

“Obviously, he deserves it more, without saying that I don’t, because I’m in a rookie year, good results, always great potential, with a very good growth path, but the time will come. If not next year, then the year after, and in red.”

Which riders will have a Ducati GP26 next season?

Ducati will field four factory bikes next season, up from three this year. This brings them in line with the other four manufacturers.

In addition to the factory duo and Alex Marquez, Fabio di Giannantonio will continue on a top-of-the-range bike. Franco Morbidelli will join Aldeguer on an older model, though it’s yet to be confirmed whether this will be a GP25 or the more user-friendly GP24.

Valentino Rossi was offered another factory bike for VR46, but he opted against the expense. He might have shelled out had he been able to sign Pedro Acosta.

Ducati’s 2026 bike is expected to be very similar to this year’s entrant, with development potential naturally limited at the end of the ruleset.