Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia will be looking to return to form in 2026 after suffering a disastrous 2025 campaign with Ducati.
The Italian has left many baffled by his inconsistent results in 2025 as he struggles to find the right balance with the GP25. Bagnaia has failed to finish the last three races after winning at Motegi.
Ducati made several changes to the Italian’s bike in Japan, including adding GP24 components, which gave him victory. But he crashed out at Mandalika and Phillip Island with the same machine, while a rear-tyre puncture at Sepang cost him a podium.
Bagnaia has finally admitted his ‘weak point’, in that he cannot adapt to things he does not like. The GP25 is not suited to his riding style, with the 28-year-old being consistently beaten by GP24 riders.
Bagnaia is now at risk of finishing P5 in the standings, having lost third to Marco Bezzecchi at Sepang, and Pedro Acosta is sitting 26 points behind him. He will be desperate for improvements in 2026, but not many see him as a contender.
Gresini director overlooks Francesco Bagnaia as he assesses Alex Marquez’s title chances in 2026
Marc Marquez will be the firm favourite for the championship in 2026, given his dominance in 2025. Brother Alex Marquez has been his closest challenger, having secured P2 in the standings at Sepang.
With his newfound form, the Gresini rider will be looking to mount a challenge next season. Bagnaia will be hoping for the same, but he faces a difficult situation.
Ducati’s GP26 will be more tailored to Marc Marquez, which could widen the gap between the factory riders. Furthermore, Bagnaia’s tense relationship with Ducati’s top management may hinder his performance.
Several manufacturers are taking steps forward to improve their bikes and challenge Ducati at the front. Gresini commercial and marketing director Carlo Merlini named Joan Mir and Pedro Acosta as potential contenders in 2026, alongside the Marquez brothers, but Bagnaia was a notable omission.
Speaking via AS, he assessed Alex Marquez’s chances of winning the title in 2026: “Why aren’t we going to ask Álex to go for the title next year?
“There’s a lot of competition. Márquez will be there, Aprilia will be back, other manufacturers have gotten closer to Ducati because you only have to look at Mir and Acosta, which is good for the championship, and we’ll be there too. We’re definitely going to fight, and we’ll see what we’re up to.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Can Alex Marquez fight for the MotoGP title in 2026?
With two wins and 11 podiums, Alex Marquez has enjoyed his best MotoGP season to date in 2025. It has taken many by surprise, considering that his best finish before this season was P8.
Neil Hodgson felt Marquez would finish between fifth and sixth before the season started. The Gresini rider has proven many wrong this year, and he will be looking to do the same in 2026.
Marquez will have factory machinery in 2026, after being rewarded by Ducati for his results in 2025. With equal machinery to brother Marc, a title charge could be possible.
However, he will face huge competition to achieve that feat. Mat Oxley rates three riders ahead of Alex Marquez, in his brother, Acosta, and Fabio Quartararo – Bagnaia’s omission shows just how much his stock has fallen in 2025.
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