Ducati’s satellite teams have handed them an ‘absolutely invaluable’ advantage over Aprilia

Add as preferred source on Google

Ducati’s six bikes allow them to gain ‘invaluable’ data over their rival manufacturers in MotoGP.

The 2026 MotoGP pre-season revealed that Aprilia have closed the gap to Ducati ahead of the season opener at the Thai Grand Prix.

Although the Aprilia RS-GP may have closed in on the Ducati GP26 on paper, Ducati still hold advantages over their fellow Italian manufacturer.

It is the behind the scenes advantages that Ducati hold over their rivals that still give them the edge during race weekends.

Predict the order of the Ducati riders in the 2026 MotoGP standings

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Ducati’s two satellite teams give them an advantage over Aprilia

After the Buriram test, Moto.it discussed what advantages Ducati have over Aprilia in particular after the two-day test in Thailand.

Former MotoGP technical director, Giulio Bernardelle, pinpointed that Ducati having six bikes on the grid allows them to collect more data across race weekends, and aids them in finding the correct set-up quicker.

Bernardelle said, “Aprilia are very close on a technical level, but Ducati still have two advantages, but they are more subtle than in 2025.

“They essentially lie in the amount of data they have available. Therefore, the speed at which the teams find the right set-up. And this is an absolutely invaluable advantage for the race weekend.”

He continued by saying, “Ducati still have an advantage from their engine driveability, but how much exactly is not known. The Ducati engine still has this exaggerated rideability on its side, which then allows you to manage the rear tyre better in the race.”

Marc Marquez returns to his old habits at the Buriram test

Once again, Marc Marquez heads into a MotoGP season as the Championship favourite, but cracks were visible during the Buriram test.

Throughout the two-day test in Thailand, Marquez crashed three times. It was later revealed that the Spaniard was unwell during the test leading to his crashes.

However, it has caused different opinions to be made about Marquez ahead of the 2026 season beginning this weekend in Thailand.

Peter Bom is now of the impression that Marquez is more ‘vulnerable’ heading into the 2026 season due to his injuries. Whereas, Stefan Bradl believes it is business as usual for Marquez as ‘he’s always searching for the limit’.