P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Marquez’s 2026 Ducati upgrade will not affect Fabio di Giannantonio, with VR46 also keeping its factory-supported MotoGP status.
Alex Marquez’s promotion to factory-spec machinery at Gresini in 2026 will not affect Fabio di Giannantonio or VR46’s standing within Ducati.
Ducati and VR46 have confirmed that Valentino Rossi’s team will remain the manufacturer’s ‘Factory Supported Team’, with di Giannantonio retaining a factory-spec bike.
For the 2026 season, Ducati will run four riders on its latest machinery: Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Marquez, and di Giannantonio.
Franco Morbidelli and Fermin Aldeguer will continue to ride satellite-spec machines for VR46 and Gresini, respectively.
With MotoGP’s new 850cc era starting in 2027, engine development will be frozen until the end of 2026, with Ducati having both GP24 and GP25 engines for its riders.
All factory team riders, like Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, must use the same approved engine spec, while satellite riders can receive chassis and aero updates if compatible with their engines.
