Ducati boss reveals why Marc Marquez looks off the pace
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Luigi Dall’Igna has noted that Marc Marquez is dealing with some unexpected challenges on Ducati’s GP26 bike. Marquez currently sits fifth in the championship standings as the series heads into this weekend’s United States Grand Prix. Marquez picked up his first win of the season in the Brazil Sprint, but he didn’t make it onto the podium in the main race.
It marks the first time since late 2024 that he’s finished outside the top three in back-to-back races. If not for a tyre issue during the Thailand GP, Marquez might be second overall right now, just behind Bezzecchi. But any hopes of another dominant title run have taken an early hit.
Luigi Dall’Igna admits Marc Marquez’s feel for the bike has become ‘sketchy’ Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Dall’Igna, in his usual post-race LinkedIn recap, said Marquez isn’t yet fully comfortable on the 2026 Ducati. In both qualifying and the main race, he finished behind satellite rider Fabio Di Giannantonio. Marquez crashed during qualifying – a misstep that may have cost him pole position – though several riders were caught out at turn four.
Ducati know they can’t just depend on his ability to close the gap to Aprilia. Marco Bezzecchi has now won four straight races, including both this season’s openers, while Jorge Martin followed him home in Brazil to complete a one-two finish. “Marc faced uncharacteristic difficulties, riding on the defensive as he struggled with pace and a sketchy feel for the bike,” Dall’Igna said.
“Despite this, he showed immense resolve, riding aggressively to extract every ounce of potential. However, even the resilience typical of a champion was not enough to overcome the day’s limitations. ” Marquez’s GP26 struggles continue Luigi Dall’Igna says Marc Marquez is facing ‘uncharacteristic difficulties’ on Ducati’s GP26 bike.