Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati got their first win of the 2026 MotoGP season at the Spanish Grand Prix, but it came through Gresini’s Alex Marquez – the rider who is leaving for KTM in 2027.
The Borgo Panigale outfit have not had a good start to the 2026 campaign. Star rider Marc Marquez has been injured and struggling with fitness throughout the winter and the first four races, as Aprilia lead the charge at the front.
But Alex Marquez says Marc’s injury has ‘nothing’ to do with Ducati’s struggles, but rather Aprilia are doing the business with their development. Meanwhile, their Italian rivals are not finding the right balance with the GP26, but the Gresini rider found something at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Alex Marquez gave Ducati their first win of 2026 at Jerez. Are they officially back?
The home hero displayed strong pace all weekend and took advantage of his brother crashing out on lap two to take his second win at Jerez in as many years. Marquez had been suffering on the GP26 before the race, but something clicked for him on the bike.
It is a great opportunity for Ducati to push on from this result and develop the bike further to rival Aprilia. Yet, the team have achieved this success with a rider that is no longer committed to the project, which is now proving to be a huge mistake.
Alex Marquez’s Spanish Grand Prix win proves Ducati made a big mistake letting him join KTM
Alex Marquez is joining KTM in 2027, fulfilling his desire to be a factory rider in MotoGP. It is a great coup for the Austrians, but it is already proving to be a big loss for Ducati.
The Spaniard is an experienced head capable of winning races, and with a new regulations cycle coming up, letting that go could be damaging. It is even more so when a rookie, Daniel Holgado, will be replacing him, which is a huge risk for the new era of MotoGP.
Alex Marquez looks to be KTM-bound! 😲 Has he made the right choice leaving Gresini?
Furthermore, Marquez has proven this year that he can be a huge help with development. While all other Ducati riders have struggled to seriously challenge Aprilia, the Gresini star has taken the GP26 to its limits and has put it in a winning position.
His worth is proven by the fact that Francesco Bagnaia told Ducati to ‘copy’ Marquez to find that right feeling from the GP26. The Spaniard is a vital rider for the project, and letting him leave for KTM is proving to be a big mistake from the team.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Alex Marquez from net worth to career stats
Alex Marquez felt unloved at Ducati before deciding to join KTM
Marquez had to act fast to secure his future for the next two years, and he has chosen to become a factory rider at KTM.
Marquez felt undervalued several times at Ducati. While he is riding a factory bike in 2026, he was never considered for a factory seat.
Marquez feels unloved at Ducati and has thus chosen to make a switch in his career for the new regulations. KTM are getting a rider who will help develop their 850cc bike and take it to its limits.
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