Ducati may not have won the last two races heading into the Grand Prix of Aragon, but they unquestionably remain the dominant force in MotoGP. They’re 135 points clear of the pack in the constructors’ championship.
Ducati bikes have taken 17 out of a possible 21 podiums, as well as five wins and four poles from seven Grands Prix. They’ve locked down the top three in the teams’ standings, with nearest challengers LCR nearly 100 points behind.
There’s slightly more variety in the riders’ pecking order, but the top four are all on Desmosedici motorcycles. Fabio di Giannantonio is sixth, and rookie Fermin Aldeguer is 10th.
There are signs, though, that their competitors are getting closer. This year’s title fight still looks like an all-Marquez affair, but there’s reason to be more optimistic for 2026 – the final year of the ruleset.
Ducati were weakened over the winter by the loss of Pramac, who fielded 2024 world champion Jorge Martin. Paolo Pavesio’s squad realigned with Yamaha, trimming Luigi Dall’Igna’s roster to six.
Dorna do not want Ducati to supply Tech3 bikes amid KTM uncertainty
An opportunity may be opening up, though, for Ducati to fill the gap left by Pramac. The future of Tech3’s partnership with KTM is now uncertain.
While Bajaj Auto have stepped in to save the Austrian manufacturer, there are no guarantees over their long-term participation in MotoGP. It’s conceivable that the new majority shareholders will want to peel back their commitment to just two bikes, rather than four.
This has led to talk that Tech3 could partner with Honda, who already have a deal in place with LCR. But there has also been ‘chatter’ about a Ducati tie-up.
However, speaking on the Paddock Pass podcast, journalist Neil Morrison said that this is ‘the last thing’ Dorna want. They feel that one manufacturer supplying nearly 40% of the grid is unhealthy for the sport.
“One of the situations is potentially a deal with Honda to take on two more Hondas on the grid,” Morrison said of Tech3. “There was some chatter that maybe there could be an agreement with Ducati.
“But I’ve heard that Dorna… the last thing that they want is a return to eight Ducatis on the grid. They see that as a very, very bad thing for the sport.”
Guenther Steiner may already be plotting a superteam at Tech3
The biggest story surrounding Tech3 this week has been the link with Guenther Steiner. The former Haas boss was a hugely popular figure in the F1 paddock.
Steiner could replace Herve Poncharal as the Tech3 boss if his backers can strike a deal. This would perhaps be a dream scenario for would-be rights-holders Liberty Media.
In an interview before the Aragon weekend, Poncharal confirmed he’d held talks with Steiner. The Frenchman knows he’s seen as a ‘weak link’ by potential investors.
Wantaway world champion Jorge Martin could join Tech3 if they start using Honda machinery, according to a report this week. They would have to convince him to return to a satellite team after he left Pramac for Aprilia.
With Enea Bastianini considering an exit, Steiner could oversee a ‘superteam’ of Martin and Maverick Vinales, who’s won 10 races and scored 35 podiums.
