Overview
- The Ducati Lenovo Team presented the Desmosedici GP26 at Madonna di Campiglio with retro white stripes and a deeper red to mark the brand’s 100th anniversary.
- Reigning champion Marc Marquez, recovering from right‑shoulder surgery after his Mandalika crash, is scheduled for his first post‑injury laps at the Sepang test on February 3–5.
- Francesco Bagnaia’s 2025 braking and front‑end issues linger as a focal point after Ducati reverted toward a GP24‑style engine package during last season.
- 2026 is the final year with 1000cc engines and Michelin tyres, with engine designs frozen for Ducati, Aprilia and KTM since 2025 and Honda joining from the Thai opener, leaving only Yamaha free to develop through the year.
- Ducati highlights an 88‑race podium streak as both riders enter contract years, with a Buriram test to follow Sepang and the season opener set for February 27–March 1.