Brother vs Brother: Alex Marquez Gets GP26 — 2026 MotoGP Promises Thrilling Duel

Alex Marquez is set to take a major step forward in his career for the 2026 MotoGP season: the Gresini rider will pilot the factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP26.

This upgrade aligns him directly with top-tier riders — including his brother, Marc Marquez — setting the stage for a compelling sibling rivalry on the track.

The decision from Ducati Corse comes after one of the most impressive seasons of Alex’s MotoGP career. Despite riding the older GP24 model in 2025, he delivered standout performances: frequent podium finishes, multiple strong results, and a consistency that caught Ducati’s attention. Alex welcomed the news with gratitude.

“It’s an honour to ride an official bike with Gresini,” he remarked, noting that the upgrade represents not just personal recognition, but also acknowledgement of the efforts and progress of the entire Gresini Racing team. From Ducati’s perspective, the move reflects confidence in Alex’s growth and potential.

According to Ducati Corse’s management, Alex maximized the GP’s potential in 2025 — a display of talent and consistency that justified granting him a factory-spec machine.

For 2026, this means Alex will no longer be handicapped by equipment — he’ll have the same technical hardware as the factory riders.

With this parity, observers expect his role to shift: from a promising underdog to a serious contender, potentially challenging not only other riders but also his own brother in direct competition.

Of course, with greater opportunity comes greater pressure. The expectations on Alex will be higher than ever.

But considering how he delivered strong results in 2025 under less favourable machinery, many believe this is the moment he’s ready to step up. 2026 could be the season when Alex Marquez truly cements his name among MotoGP’s elite.