Marco Bezzecchi
Having dominated MotoGP this decade, Ducati will be hoping to continue the momentum into 2027 and the new technical regulations.
On paper, at least, the Borgo Panigale outfit is in the prime position to do that. Pedro Acosta has signed for Ducati on a two-year deal alongside Marc Marquez, giving them arguably one of the most promising rider line-ups of all time.
But the 2027 regulation changes throw everything into uncertainty. The 850cc bikes are in the early stages of development, while the Pirelli tyres and the banning of ride height devices will take time getting used to.
Where does Marc Marquez/Pedro Acosta rank among the all-time great MotoGP line-ups?
Jorge Martin has heard Ducati’s 850cc bike is 1.6 seconds slower than the 2026 bike
Testing is underway for 2027, and there have already been some interesting details across the manufacturers. Takaaki Nakagami is already outpacing the 2026 Honda bikes with the team’s 850cc machine.
As for Ducati, the Bologna Bullets recently took their prototype to the track, and Luigi Dall’Igna has already been hard at work to find innovations. Ducati trialled a smaller wing than KTM’s design, suggesting that they are sacrificing downforce.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Ducati from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
But the overall speed, unsurprisingly, needs work, as Jorge Martin found out. The Spaniard, who is joining Yamaha in 2027, heard that Ducati’s 850cc bike was 1.6 seconds slower than their 1000cc bike at Mugello.
He revealed, via the Gypsy Tales Podcast: “I know, Ducati, they told me like they were 1.6 [seconds] from the lap time in Mugello, 1.6 [seconds] slower. I think it was. I’m not pretty sure.
“I know they are all working. KTM have [had] the bike since last year, so they are pretty far ahead. But you never know. I mean, let’s see.
How important will lap times be if the 2027 MotoGP regulations fail to improve the racing?
“It’s a completely different engine, completely different tyres. So maybe you have an engine that worked with this tyre.
“I don’t know which bike, but maybe some bike is working with the Michelin, on another one, no. And then when they change tyre, it’s [a] completely different bike.”
At this stage, no one knows where any of the manufacturers stand for 2027, but Ducati will be hoping to maintain their dominance in MotoGP. With Marquez and Acosta on board, they will already be tough to beat.
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