Ducati's 2026 season looks like a long period of self-reflection. Between recurring technical problems at the start and the absence of the X factor—the magic of Marc Marquez—the Borgo Panigale factory finds itself in an unusual position: that of challenger. Francesco Bagnaia, at the helm, is trying to turn things around, but the road to recovery is fraught with obstacles.
For years, Ducati was the absolute benchmark in MotoGP. The red machine seemed capable of winning with almost any rider, to the point that some observers considered the Desmosedici a guarantee of victory in itself. But in 2026, the landscape changed. Aprilia now dominates the championship. Ducati has still not won a single Grand Prix and, for the first time in a long time, some are starting to ask a disturbing question: Ducati Was she really as untouchable as people thought?
Le Italian Grand Prix provided several elements of an answer. Francis Bagnaia secured his second consecutive podium finish at MugelloBut behind this encouraging third place lies a much deeper realization. For the Italian, the current difficulties stem from the mistakes made last year.
Without mincing words, the two-time world champion believes that Ducati has strayed from what made it strong. The problem is that Last year, we lost our wayDucati lost theirs. And this year, we're trying to recover what we gained last year."A surprising statement coming from an official driver." Ducati.
Car bagnaia He is not talking about a simple setup problem or a temporary lack of performance. He is referring to a genuine loss of technical direction, a situation that is now forcing the Borgo Panigale factory to rebuild what it already had.
Ducati is starting almost from scratch and a hard truth to hear
The weekend of Mugello However, it did bring some reasons for optimism. For the first time this season, bagnaia He made a start worthy of his level. Starting sixth on the grid, he immediately found himself in contact with the leaders, a striking contrast with his disastrous starts observed since the beginning of the year.
According to him, the numerous modifications made to the GP26 are finally beginning to have an effect. I must therefore say that during the last Grand Prix, we improved our start between Saturday and Sunday. and I think it will be much better in the future »
However, the work is far from finished. We significantly alter the motorcycle's balance compared to its original design.It's therefore demanding because we're progressing step by step, and it's not easy, but we're getting there. »
For bagnaiaThe priority now remains rear traction. The next step will be to improve rear grip Because, for now, that's the only thing I'm missing. But we're getting closer. »
The Italian even acknowledges that the Honda have become the absolute benchmarks when it comes to departures.
« I don't think removing the launch control devices will increase or decrease the gap between the motorcycles. The fact is that, for the time being, The Hondas get the best startsWhen you're close to a Honda at the start, you lose your position."A phrase that would have been almost unimaginable just two years ago."
But perhaps the most brutal analysis came from Neil Hodgson on the Gas it out podcastThe former British driver believes that Ducati is experiencing today exactly what Honda experienced when Marc Marquez was no longer able to compensate for the weaknesses of its machine.
For years, Marquez masked the increasing limitations of the RC213V. When it disappeared, the results of Honda collapsed immediately. For Hodgson, the current situation is eerily similar.
Marc Marquez returned to Mugello after his shoulder and foot surgeries, but he is still far from his best physical condition. As a result: Ducati is suddenly confronted with her true technical hierarchy.
And this hierarchy now places Aprilia in front. " Ducati will be very disappointed. If we look at the result, Pecco finished in the place he deserved. » According to Hodgson, the gap with Aprilia has become impossible to ignore.
« With each analysis of this Aprilia, it improves.That's a fact. So he has to beat the Aprilia, he has to have the perfect race. And Pecco is still regaining his confidence. He's still searching for the ultimate feeling with this 2026 factory Ducati. »
Then comes the comparison that is likely to cause resentment in Borgo Panigale. But in reality, Ducati needs to take a hard look at itself and admit that it's not up to scratch.They find themselves in the same situation as Honda: their number one rider is not in form, and he can no longer be the magician he has been throughout his career, as he was at Honda. »
In other words, when Marquez is no longer capable of producing miracles, Ducati suddenly appears much more human.
« So, without their superstar rider capable of performing miracles, this is where Ducati currently stands. They are the second-best manufacturer, and third place is a respectable result for Pecco on home soil. That's the reality, isn't it? »
Le Mugello confirmed what many already suspected. Aprilia is no longer just a dangerous competitor. Aprilia is now the benchmark in MotoGP. And for the first time in a very long time, Ducati finds itself in an uncomfortable position: that of the team that has to chase after someone.
bagnaia Hodgson believes that the GP26 is gradually finding its way back. Hodgson, on the other hand, believes that Ducati simply discover what Honda has been a reality for years: when an injured champion can no longer mask the weaknesses of the motorcycle, the truth always comes to light. And today, that truth is called Aprilia.
Ducati is engaged in a race against time. The brand must successfully balance two imperatives: finalizing the electronic development to improve the reliability of its starts and patiently waiting for its star rider to regain full physical fitness. In the meantime, the message is clear: the era where Ducati The days of winning by sheer force of will seem to be over. Now, a rigorous, step-by-step approach is needed to try and break Noale's hegemony.
