Overview
- Ducati revealed a retro-inspired GP26 paint scheme with twin white stripes and a darker red to mark its 100th year at Madonna di Campiglio.
- Marc Marquez said re-signing is his first option while he evaluates offers, as Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi confirmed renewing the world champion is the team’s priority for 2027.
- After right‑shoulder surgery, Marquez has progressed from off‑road training back to asphalt and plans his first GP26 laps at the Sepang test on February 3–5, targeting near‑full fitness for Thailand.
- Francesco Bagnaia, who slumped to fifth in 2025 after front‑end and braking struggles, called for a reset as scrutiny over his factory future grows.
- With 2026 the last year of 1000cc rules and Michelin tyres, engine design remains frozen for Ducati, Aprilia, KTM and now Honda, leaving Yamaha as the only manufacturer free to develop through the season.