Ducati rolled out significant electronic updates and aerodynamic solutions for its 2026 MotoGP challenger at the Valencia test on Tuesday, debuting a noticeably reworked fairing compared with the version Francesco Bagnaia and Nicolo Bulega raced just 48 hours earlier.
While Aprilia’s camouflaged RS-GP showcased several fresh aerodynamic concepts hinting at a major shift in its development direction, Ducati has — at least for now — remained loyal to its established philosophy, pushing its existing ideas further than ever.
Initial feedback from the track was encouraging. Alex Marquez, who also had the opportunity to test 2026-spec Michelin tyres, reported a positive feeling, Bulega improved his performance from last weekend and while Bagnaia ended up just over three tenths off the pace, he set his best time on the slower medium rear tyre after his final time attack was cut short by a crash at Turn 2.
The bike serving as the precursor to the GP26 continues to follow the development trajectory laid out by Ducati’s engineering department under the guidance of Gigi Dall’Igna. The overall fairing philosophy remains intact, but the ideas born at the Dallara wind tunnel in Varano de’ Melegari have been pushed to new extremes.
The slot is no longer an aerodynamic element in itself, but is integrated into the vertical profile, creating a kind of channel that runs over the step. MotoGP teams always strive for efficiency, and to improve performance pay close attention to managing the intense heat generated by the engine and the radiator.
Ducati Team bike detail
Photo by: GPOne
The aim is to clean up the airflow and prevent the rider from being hit by hot air — something that could disrupt their concentration while riding at the limit.
It’s no surprise, then, that so much care has been taken with the bike’s internal air flow, with Ducati directing air towards areas that minimise the negative impact.
At the bottom of the fairing, the increased airflow at the side diffuser inlet is immediately noticeable, as is the much deeper and more pronounced channel created between the aerodynamic element and the side panel itself. It’s a proper air channel, designed to maximise downforce when the bike is fully leaned over.
Ducati almost certainly kept some of its cards hidden in Valencia, but Bagnaia’s smile at the end of the day in Valencia suggests that the three-time world champion might finally be on the right track towards his recovery.
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