This is a choice that speaks volumes. A great deal. As Ducati prepares for another dominant season in MotoGP, VR46 has officially decided to turn its back on the Ducati GP25, the very bike that propelled Marc Marquez to the top. Franco Morbidelli will not be riding it. He will continue, for the third consecutive season, with the GP24. A clear refusal. Calculated. And heavy with meaning.
One of the major unknowns of the 2026 season concerned the adaptation of satellite drivers to the GP25A motorcycle meant to be a simple evolution… but which has mainly sown doubt. The response from VR46 It's clear: they prefer to avoid it.
MorbidelyThe team, which was initially slated to receive the GP25, has made its decision. It will remain on a machine it knows perfectly, rather than exposing itself to the difficulties that have plagued the season for several riders. Ducati.
Franco Morbidelli will therefore pilot the GP24 again, after 2024 with Pramac, 2025 with VR46and now 2026, still with the same basis. A virtually unprecedented case at this level.
Matthew FlamigniThe Italian driver's pit crew chief confirms without hesitation: Franco will use the same bike as last year, a bike he knows perfectly and that the team knows perfectly well »
And to emphasize: It's a very competitive motorcycle that has won many races. »
The message is clear: a sure thing is better than a shaky evolution.
Officially, Ducati continues to defend its GP25. Unofficially, the unease is real. Yes, Marc Marquez won with it. But at what cost? The times were slower than in 2024, and above all, Di Giannantonio They suffered enormously to extract the performance.
Flamigni, VR46: " I prefer not to get into the controversies, as the subject has already been widely discussed and I don't want to add fuel to the fire. »
flamigniCautious but clear-headed, he remarks: I prefer not to get into the controversies, as the subject has already been widely discussed and I don't want to add fuel to the fire. »
Before admitting the essential point: but there were indeed moments of great difficulty with the GP25, even if Marquez managed to make her win on numerous occasions"Paddock translation: if you're not Marquez, the GP25 can turn into a nightmare.
The decision to Morbidely opens a breach. The next one concerns Fermin AldeguerOn paper, the rookie of Gresini is entitled to a GP25. But if he refuses in turn, as the current atmosphere suggests, no GP25 would be entered.
This choice of VR46 confirms what many had been whispering for months: the GP25 is not a simple evolution of the GP24It presents serious handling problems. Only an exceptional pilot like Marc Marquez He knew how to tame it.
For the others, the risk is considered too high. Morbidely chose stability. VR46 He chose caution. Ducati finds himself in an embarrassing situation: his penultimate MotoGP It frightens its own customers. A silent admission… but deafening.
