Ducati conceded it is no longer MotoGP’s benchmark manufacturer after Aprilia’s strong start to 2026, but said it still believes it can overhaul Aprilia over the remaining races.
Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi’s victory at the United States Grand Prix reinforced the view that Aprilia currently has the best bike. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi said data shows Aprilia improved around 0.7–0.8 seconds while Ducati’s gains were only 0.1–0.2 seconds, leaving Ducati riders “playing catch-up.”
After three races Aprilia leads all three championships and holds a 32-point advantage over Ducati in the constructors' standings, with Fabio di Giannantonio the highest-placed Ducati rider. Ducati’s campaign has been hampered by the ongoing recovery of Marc Marquez, a Ducati rider, and a missed race for Fermin Aldeguer, a Ducati rider, and Tardozzi said there are 19 races left and he hopes engineers can bring upgrades by Jerez.
Read the full article at motorsport.com.
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