Ducati, Tardozzi admits mistakes: "We’re not what we used to be"
The start of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship has been dominated by Aprilia, and Ducati has been left to watch. After the first three races two Aprilia riders, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, excel over all, while the first Ducati is that of VR46 satellite team rider Fabio Di Giannantonio. Marc Marquez is only fifth, with no wins or podiums so far.
Team manager Davide Tardozzi admitted to Speedweek that he lags behind his competitors, “We are not what we used to be… We have to work, period. We have to be more careful in our management and understand better what our riders need.”
“They gained seven or eight tenths. We gained one or two. They have strong drivers, like us, but we have to do it soon. We expect something from the engineers,” continued the Ducati executive, who expects development of the Desmosedici GP26.
The Achilles’ heel is rear tire wear.
Beginning in 2027, Pirelli will become the supplier of MotoGP tires. “Before, Pirelli tires lost performance toward the end of the race, but now it doesn’t happen anymore. This is because they now take into account the needs of MotoGP.” Also from 2027, engine displacement will drop to 850cc: “Even if the displacement decreases, the bikes will have more power and less weight than a Superbike, so they will subject the tires to more stress. Pirelli knows this and is working to solve the problems.”
Marquez’s physical condition remains at the center of debate among industry insiders. Former champion Luca Cadalora identified this as the root of Ducati’s difficulties: “The difficulties stem mainly from Márquez’s physical condition. Marc is perhaps running at 90 percent, or not even at that point, because he has not yet fully recovered, especially from the shoulder problem.” Cadalora then also pointed his finger at the bike: “I feel like I see a bike that doesn’t flow…I feel like the bike loses speed in the corners, when you take off the gas. It’s different for the Aprilia, it feels smoother to me.”
