- Aero packages must be homologated before the Thailand GP
- Ducati to test hybrid GP26 specification in 2026
- Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo plan to return at the Buriram test
With the final official pre-season test in Buriram on February 21 and 22, the situation in MotoGP is becoming more intense. After the shakedown and extensive testing in Sepang, manufacturers and riders face key decisions. Aerodynamics in particular is coming into focus, as it will be virtually set in stone for the entire season. At the same time, several riders are returning from injury, while the first contours of the transfer market from 2027 onwards are already emerging in the paddock.
Aerodynamic decisions under time pressure
With engine development already frozen, except for Yamaha, the focus of winter testing is clearly on aerodynamics. Only one update is permitted during the season for the so-called aero body. This means there is a lot of pressure to choose the right configuration before the first race weekend.
Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez described in Sepang how riders try to simulate different racing conditions despite limited test tracks. Certain corner combinations are mentally transferred to other tracks in order to estimate how an aero package will perform over 22 race weekends. With its track characteristics, Sepang at least offers the opportunity to find passages reminiscent of courses such as Qatar or Jerez.
Marquez nevertheless remained cautious. Two test tracks are not enough to cover all eventualities. Since there is no alternative, the analysis must be particularly careful. After the test in Malaysia, there were indications that Ducati could retain parts of its previous aero concept. A final assessment will only be made after the impressions in Thailand.
Ducati GP26: A step backward as a strategic move
While Ducati performed convincingly in Sepang, the manufacturer was noticeably reticent in its communications. Behind the scenes, however, intensive work was being done on the basis for 2026. The aim is to avoid a renewed split among the factory riders, as had occurred in the previous season.
The solution is emerging in the form of a hybrid specification. Elements from the GP24, GP25, and new components for 2026 are being combined. The GP24, which is considered to be well-balanced, serves as the foundation. Aerodynamics is the most important new area of development.
At the end of the Sepang test, several Ducati riders were at the top of the timesheets with this mixed configuration, both in fast laps and long runs. The fact that Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi was able to break through the Ducati quartet in the meantime did little to change the internal assessment. With four competitive riders, Ducati considers itself well positioned for the start of the season.
Health updates ahead of the Thailand test
In addition to technical decisions, the focus is also on several comebacks. Jorge Martin will be back on the RS-GP at the Buriram test after missing Sepang due to injury. The Aprilia rider underwent surgery on his left hand and right collarbone. After positive tests in Madrid, he is planning to travel to Thailand, but still has to obtain medical clearance from the FIM on site.
Fabio Quartararo is also expected to return for the final test before the start of the season. The Yamaha rider broke the middle finger of his right hand in a crash at Sepang. After surgery in Barcelona, Yamaha expects him to be able to participate in both the test and the first Grand Prix.
The return of Fermin Aldeguer is still uncertain. The Gresini rider is recovering from a broken thigh and, according to current statements, is aiming for a comeback at the second race of the season in Brazil.
First moves in the transfer market from 2027
Although the 2026 season has not yet begun, the paddock is already looking ahead. KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa fueled speculation about the 2027 rider market. He spoke of unusually early decisions and hinted that Ducati had taken an important step.
At the center of the rumors is Pedro Acosta, who is said to be moving to Ducati. At the same time, possible successors are already being discussed within the KTM structure. Names such as Maverick Vinales and Alex Marquez are also circulating in connection with future team changes. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the early momentum is considered unusual.
Outlook for Buriram
The Thailand test marks the last major test before the start of the season. Here, aero packages must be homologated, setups finalized, and the fitness of returning riders assessed. Decisions made during these two days will shape the entire 2026 season. The importance of the test is correspondingly high, even if many questions can only be answered during racing.
What does that mean for me as a MotoGP fan?
From a fan’s perspective, a lot is coming together at once ahead of Buriram. Aero decisions are being made under considerable time pressure and could shape the character of the entire season. At the same time, riders such as Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo are returning from injuries, making it more difficult to assess the balance of power. What is particularly exciting is that Ducati is apparently deliberately focusing on a stable basis that works for several riders, rather than radical solutions. Added to this are early signals from the transfer market, which show that long-term decisions have long since begun. The bottom line is that the impression is of a season that will be less about individual sensations and more about strategic depth, technical detail, and unusually early dynamics behind the scenes.
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