Bezzecchi already in the lead
The 2026 MotoGP season restarts after almost a month-long break from Europe and Jerez. On the Andalusian track, Ducati will have to try to roll up its sleeves and react to the disappointing results that have accompanied it in the first three rounds of the season. The championship standings currently see Marc Marquez fifth with a 36-point deficit from leader Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia ninth, even 56 points behind his friend-rival. The Jerez circuit has historically been ‘friendly’ to both riders of the Borgo Panigale factory team, but their adaptation to the GP26 has so far seemed far from perfect.
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Dall’Igna confident
Speaking to Sky Sport, however, Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna seemed optimistic about his two riders’ chances of doing well: “Bagnaia in trouble? Honestly, I see him doing well – replied the Venetian engineer – let’s remember that he lost a Sprint [in Austin] on the last lap after dominating. I see him doing well both mentally and physically. We hope he can unleash all his talent.” If Bagnaia’s problems are unfortunately not new, recalling the very difficult second half of 2025 experienced by the Piedmontese rider, perhaps even more worrying are the lapses experienced by Marc Marquez.
Read more Martin: “Jerez has never been one of my best tracks”
In the case of the reigning world champion, however, we must consider the major physical problems that have plagued #93 since the end of last season: “I believe Marc is recovering well – commented Dall’Igna – he is coming back from a significant injury, having missed the last five races of last season. When you start the World Championship with such a history, you need more time to put everything in place. But he is a champion, one of the greatest motorcycling has ever had, and I am confident he will do what is necessary.”
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