Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati have had a tough start to the 2026 MotoGP season, with star rider Marc Marquez struggling with injury as his colleagues have difficulty understanding the bike.
Aprilia have dominated the championship thus far, with Marco Bezzecchi winning all three races in 2026. Meanwhile, Ducati’s top rider has been Fabio Di Giannantonio, with defending champion Marquez still having problems with his physical condition.
Marquez admitted he was struggling after the United States GP. He crashed during practice before wiping out Diggia in the Sprint and coming home P5 on Sunday after serving a long lap penalty.
Will Ducati return to form when the season resumes?
Jorge Martin thinks so!
His right shoulder has been causing him problems since his crash in Indonesia last year. But it is feared that Marquez’s right forearm injury is more serious, with the Spaniard still not at 100%.
There is also the issue of the bike, with Ducati’s riders struggling to understand the new machinery and find a feeling for it. The Borgo Panigale outfit have not had a rider on the podium for two out of the three Grands Prix thus far.
Ramon Forcada warns Ducati have lost their direction with Marc Marquez’s injury struggles
Speaking via Duralavita, Ramon Forcada fears that Ducati have lost their direction in 2026. With Marquez struggling, they no longer have a ‘clear vision’ as all the riders have trouble with the bike.
“With all the bikes Ducati has, the problem is that it doesn’t have a clear vision. It has two that are the same and all the others are different. There’s no precise reference point,” he said.
“Everything is so balanced that everything has changed. Those who were comfortable before are no longer. Alex isn’t finding his rhythm, Fermin Aldeguer is still a mystery, Franky is far off, Marc and Pecco too, and it seems the only one truly comfortable is Di Giannantonio.
“I don’t know how much of it is the bike, but Marc has a lot of work to do. We haven’t really seen him at ease or confident this year. For me, it’s a problem linked to his injury and you can tell from his body language too. If the team leader isn’t at 100%, the team loses its direction.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Will Marc Marquez recover his form in 2026?
Of course, Ducati and Marquez have plenty of time to recover. Only three races have gone in 2026, and with a month break between the next race at Jerez, he has the chance to get to 100% fitness.
However, after his latest knock in Austin, there are some concerns as to whether he can perform at his best again.
Is Francesco Bagnaia a MotoGP legend?
Andrea Dovizioso says Marquez’s shoulder injury is more serious than previously feared. He is yet to finish on the podium on Sunday this season.
Aprilia have the upper hand in 2026, and unless Marquez and Ducati can find a solution to their problems, it could be the Noale outfit’s championship to lose.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
