Ducati now facing the impact of letting Alex Marquez join KTM for 2027 season
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Alex Marquez’s victory at the Spanish Grand Prix was a much-needed boost for Ducati, but it came from an unexpected source – the Gresini rider who will be heading to KTM in 2027. Ducati haven’t started the 2026 season as they would’ve hoped. Marc Marquez has been dealing with injuries since winter testing, and Aprilia have taken full advantage in the early rounds.
According to Alex, though, it isn’t just down to his brother’s absence. He believes Aprilia’s progress is more about their own work than anything Ducati is lacking. He also suggested that his team is still searching for the right setup on the GP26.
Alex had struggled with setup issues on his bike leading up to race day, but something clicked during the Grand Prix itself. The Spanish crowd backed him all weekend, and he capitalised on Marc’s early crash to secure a second consecutive win at Jerez. This result gives Ducati a platform to build from as they try to close the gap on Aprilia.
However, this turnaround has come through a rider who won’t be part of their future plans – a decision that now looks even more questionable. Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images Ducati is already feeling the impact of Alex Marquez’s move to KTM Alex Marquez is set to join KTM in 2027, finally stepping into a factory role that he’s long aimed for. While it’s a major gain for the Austrians, Ducati may already be feeling the consequences of letting him go.
The Spaniard brings experience and race-winning ability, qualities that are hard to replace, especially with new regulations on the horizon. Replacing him with rookie Daniel Holgado adds another layer of risk as Ducati enters an uncertain period. Marquez has shown his value in 2026 by being one of the few riders able to push the GP26 near its limits.