Experience suggests that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions after just three of 22 MotoGP race weekends. The flyaway rounds often produce their own narrative compared to the well-known European circuits.
Take Pedro Acosta as an example. He was outstanding in Buriram on the KTM, which came as a surprise. He then struggled in Goiania, before returning to podium contention in Austin. So where does KTM really stand? It remains difficult to say with certainty.
After the winter test in Sepang, the impression was that Ducati remained the benchmark, albeit closely matched by Aprilia. That view didn’t change significantly after testing in Buriram, but the race weekend there proved far more difficult for Ducati than expected.
The manufacturer initially pointed to changing grip conditions compared to the test. Then came Goiania, a new circuit for everyone, combined with unusual asphalt characteristics. Realistically, neither round was fully representative – especially with the European races in mind.
The Circuit of the Americas, however, is a far more demanding and revealing track—and the picture there was clear. Aprilia is now the reference in MotoGP across circuits and conditions. Alongside Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, even Ai Ogura showed strong pace.
Bezzecchi’s run of five consecutive grand prix wins and 121 laps led underlines that dominance. When Aprilia dominated the final part of the 2025 season, it was argued that Ducati lacked full opposition, with Marc Marquez injured and Alex Marquez focused on consolidating second in the standings.
But the early phase of 2026 leaves little room for interpretation – Aprilia’s advantage is real. Had Bezzecchi not crashed in the sprints in Buriram and Austin, his championship lead would already be even more substantial.
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team, Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing, Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Photo by: David Buono / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Marc Marquez struggling to find comfort
Defending champion Marc Marquez already trails Bezzecchi by 36 points in the standings in fifth place. That is a significant deficit at this stage. Fabio Di Giannantonio has been impressive and deserves recognition, but he is not yet the rider one would identify as Ducati’s primary title contender.
Ahead of the Austin weekend, Marquez stated clearly that he was in the “best team” on the “best bike” and that results were in his hands. So far, however, aside from his sprint win in Goiania, he has not been able to deliver consistently.
His body language suggests a rider who is not fully comfortable on the current Desmosedici. His right shoulder is also proving more of a limitation than expected over the winter. The upcoming break offers him valuable time to recover ahead of Jerez.
More concerning, however, is the apparent lack of confidence on the bike. Alex Marquez has yet to replicate last year’s form, while Francesco Bagnaia has also struggled to make an impact beyond the Austin sprint.
It increasingly appears that Ducati reached its peak with the 2024 bike. There were no clear technical gains in 2025, and it was largely Marquez’s exceptional form that sustained the brand’s dominance.
The 2026 package does not seem to represent a step forward either, judging by performance levels, rider feedback and overall confidence. One could argue that Ducati has stood still since 2024, while rider feeling has even deteriorated.
Aprilia now the most complete package
Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
At the same time, Aprilia has continued to evolve as a complete racing operation. Where Aleix Espargaro could previously win on only a handful of circuits, the RS-GP is now competitive everywhere.
There is another key factor: Aprilia is able to improve steadily over the course of a race weekend. The influence of technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini, now in his second year with the team, may be playing a crucial role here.
Across the first three rounds, only one minor weakness has been apparent. The bike’s balance is not ideal on the soft rear tyre, whereas the medium compound suits the RS-GP much better – as demonstrated by Bezzecchi’s victories. Martin also confirmed this during the Austin sprint.
Can Ducati respond before Jerez?
Gigi Dall’Igna and Ducati’s technical department in Borgo Panigale will need to find solutions during the break if they are to challenge Aprilia. The official test day following the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez could prove crucial.
It raises an important question: is this Ducati’s last real opportunity to turn things around? At the same time, resources must already be shifting towards the 2027 regulations in the background.
Ducati – and particularly Marc Marquez – should not be written off just yet. A breakthrough in set-up could help restore confidence for the European rounds, which in turn would translate into improved performance.
Marquez, in particular, will hope his shoulder improves during the break. Watching him struggle on a bike that clearly does not suit him is unusual, given his level. Experience shows that he should never be discounted.
For now, however, Aprilia holds the upper hand in the championship fight, with Bezzecchi and Martin firmly in control.
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