– While Ducati was the clear reference in MotoGP in recent years, the start of the 2026 season paints a different picture. In particular, the former industry leader seems to have been overtaken at least for now.
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The development at Ducati raises many questions for many, including five-time world champion Mick Doohan. “What I don’t understand is Ducati. I’m not sure if Aprilia has made a big step forward or if Ducati has fallen behind. If Ducati has fallen behind – why?” he says in an interview with Marca.
What stands out to him especially is the performance of the satellite teams. “It looks like the VR46 team’s bikes are working better than the factory team’s,” Doohan explains. This leads him to a central question: “Who led the development, and did they go in the right direction?”
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Answers to this will only come during the course of the season. Doohan, who raced his last season in 1999, is following it closely. “I still love MotoGP,” he makes clear. Every generation brings changes, but the core remains the same: “In the end, there are always two or three riders who can win.”
He is more critical of the technical development, especially the aerodynamics. “That’s the only thing I really question – whether we even need it,” he says. The races have become more complicated because of it, overtaking maneuvers more difficult.
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In the past, riders like Marc Marquez or Valentino Rossi could still win from further back in the field. “Today that is much more difficult,” says Doohan.
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The Australian rejects a direct comparison with his own time. “I don’t think about whether someone is the new Mick Doohan,” he says. Every rider is unique. Nevertheless, he is impressed by several current riders.
“Bezzecchi is doing an incredible job with Aprilia,” he says about Marco Bezzecchi. He also praises Jorge Martin: “I like him. He is down-to-earth and extremely fast.”
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Honda factory rider Luca Marini surprised him. “He really impressed me,” especially after the difficult switch to Honda. And he also defends Francesco Bagnaia: “He has incredible talent, there is no doubt about that.”
Title fight: Doohan roots for Martin
Doohan remains cautious about the current season. “It’s still too early to talk about the title,” he says. Only the European races will provide a clear picture.
Nevertheless, he sees good chances for Jorge Martin. “I hope he can fight for the title.” At the same time, he adds with a smile: “Everything is going well for him – except that he still needs to practice his victory lap.” Because after the sprint win in Austin, Martin botched his celebration wheelie and crashed.
Also looking at the rider market for 2027, Doohan remains reserved. He comments cautiously on speculation about a possible Ducati duo with Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez, but basically emphasizes: “Doesn’t Ducati want to have the best riders?”
“It will be difficult for both. Both are Spanish and insanely talented. Marc is not getting younger, and there is this young guy who is gaining experience, is fast, and wants to beat the older one, Marc. Likewise, Marc doesn’t want to be beaten by the young one,” Doohan analyzes the potential dynamic.
But in the end, one constant remains for him in motorsport: “To win, you have to beat everyone, including your teammate.” No matter who that is.
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