MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo stated trackside evaluation of the Sepang take a look at confirmed Ducati had “sadly” taken a “sturdy step” with its 2026 bike.
The Italian producer dominated the 2025 marketing campaign, successful 17 Grands Prix out of twenty-two races and clinching the world title with Marc Marquez.
Nevertheless, the dearth of consistency within the GP25’s packaging meant that it was considerably on the mercy of its rivals, particularly Aprilia, all through the season.
Forward of pre-season testing, questions have been within the air as to the place Ducati would sit on the prime of the desk in comparison with the likes of Aprilia, and whether or not they would be capable of clear up the GP25’s issues.
After three days of driving at Sepang, Ducati seems to have made progress in GP26, with Alex Marquez setting the quickest time, and Gresini rider Pecco Bagania and Marc Marquez all finishing encouraging dash simulations.
Different bikes look ‘nervous’ in comparison with Ducati
Chatting with MotoGP World Feed after the ultimate day of testing, three-time champion Lorenzo, who works with Maverick Vinales as efficiency coach, famous that the GP26 appeared extra steady than the opposite automobiles on the grid.
“Sadly, Ducati clearly appears to have taken a step ahead, a robust step,” he stated when requested to guage the take a look at.
“While you have a look at the corners from the monitor, you possibly can see that the Ducati may be very easy and strikes very electrically, particularly on the exit of the nook.
“It’s very easy at most angle with 20% throttle open, and it stays this easy for a very long time whenever you carry[the bike]up.
“As a substitute, the opposite bikes look a little bit nervous. However as you possibly can see, Alex, Marc and Pecco, they’d a robust dash simulation. They have been very sturdy.”
learn extra: 5 issues we realized from the 2026 MotoGP Sepang take a look at
“However that is additionally one monitor the place perhaps we (KTM) can get nearer and Aprilia can get nearer. It adjustments lots from monitor to trace, however this begin from Ducati is robust.”
“As I noticed, they improved the rear gadget at first, however additionally it is very low on the exit of the nook and appears tremendous low. This definitely helps acceleration and prevents wheelies.”
“We additionally noticed a really massive wing on the entrance of the bike, virtually like an F1 automotive. This downforce actually helps maintain the bike very steady when accelerating.”
“However I believe Ducati might hardly enhance something final 12 months. In order that they continued to do this 12 months too, and as you possibly can see on this monitor, they’ve clearly taken a step ahead.
“Aprilia just isn’t too unhealthy. Honda has additionally taken a really good step ahead.”
