Ducati rivals have built a ‘phenomenal’ bike for 2026 based on ‘whispers’ in the paddock

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Ducati are the manufacturer to beat in MotoGP in 2026, but their rivals are starting to close the gap.

The Borgo Panigale outfit have been the dominant force in the premier class for the past few years. They secured their sixth consecutive manufacturers’ title in 2025, with Marc Marquez winning 25 races, including Sprints, on his way to his ninth Grand Prix championship.

Luigi Dall’Igna says it’s ‘impossible’ to comprehend Marquez’s success this season as he has been utterly dominant on the GP25. The Spaniard and Ducati will be expected to defend their titles in 2026, with not much expected to change before the 2027 regulations.

However, their rivals are starting to find performance and challenge Ducati for race wins. Aprilia have been the Borgo Panigale outfit’s closest rivals, winning two races in 2025.

The Noale-based manufacturer have arguably had the fastest bike at certain circuits, with Massimo Rivola claiming Aprilia can challenge for the title with Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. However, another manufacturer is making serious progress behind the scenes.

Paddock ‘whispers’ say Honda have built a ‘phenomenal’ bike for the 2026 season

Journalist Simon Patterson has heard ‘whispers’ in the paddock that Honda’s 2026 machine is looking strong. Factory riders Joan Mir, Luca Marini and Johann Zarco are all talking positively about the bike, while test rider Aleix Espargaro has called it ‘phenomenal’.

Talking about Zarco’s recent struggles on the RC213V, Patterson said on The Race MotoGP Podcast: “He keeps saying that he just needs time. He keeps saying that he, people have asked about going back and he refuses point-blank.

“The solution is not going back to the old bike, it’s making this one work because this is better. And you would imagine that this is kind of an intermediate step to what’s coming for next year anyway, a bike that, we have already heard a few whispers and rumours, but that is really good.

“According to legendary MotoGP hype man Aleix Espargaro, who’s been testing it and says it’s phenomenal. Marini and Mir and Zarco are also saying the same thing.

“So that he needs to get with his program because it’s the path to the future, it’s where it’s delivering to. He has traditionally been a bit of a slow adapter. I’d argue that Zarco has never been the first one to be fast on something.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Honda from the MotoGP team’s riders to leadership

Honda may have the bike for 2026, but do they have the riders?

If the rumours are true, 2026 could be a welcome return to the front for the Japanese giants. Marini says Honda relied too heavily on Marquez as he dominated MotoGP in the 2010s, ultimately leading to their regression.

But the manufacturer are slowly on the mend, and they have everything in place for 2026. Marini and Mir will continue with the factory HRC team, while Diogo Moreira will step up from Moto2 and replace Somkiat Chantra at LCR, partnering with Zarco.

But their line-up could have been a lot different, with Honda having targeted Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta in 2025. Dorna blocked riders from breaking their contracts, hence why they had to settle with their current pool of talent.

Honda’s riders have struggled for consistency in 2025, with Mir and Zarco regularly crashing. Marini has been regularly in the points, minus podium finishes like his teammate, while Chantra’s season has been a nightmare.

The RC213V’s tricky nature will be a factor in those results, and 2026 could be a significant improvement. However, the riders will be under pressure to deliver with the new bike, especially when Honda are plotting huge moves on the MotoGP rider market for 2027.