P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With rivals closing in, Ducati has been pushing development in all possible areas – including its engine – for MotoGP 2026.
MotoGP starts a new season with frozen engine specifications, but there are still areas for development, such as fairing, exhaust, and intake, according to Gigi Dall’Igna at Ducati’s team launch.
Despite Marc Marquez winning the riders’ title for Ducati last season, Aprilia emerged as a strong competitor in his absence, winning three of the final four grands prix.
Ducati is gearing up for the upcoming Sepang tests to finalize the specification of its GP26, with expectations for new ideas and features that need testing before the season starts.
A two-day pre-season test at Buriram will follow Sepang, leading up to the opening round of the final 1000cc/Michelin era at the Thai circuit at the end of February.
Aprilia and KTM have frozen engines from 2025, while Honda joins the freeze from Thailand this year, and Yamaha, as the only manufacturer in band D, can still modify its new V4 engine.
