Ducati Unveils 2026 MotoGP Updates and Retro Liveries at Valencia Test

At the Valencia MotoGP post-season test on Tuesday, Ducati unveiled significant advancements for its 2026 challenger, including electronic updates and refined aerodynamic features, while debuting retro-inspired liveries on bikes ridden by Francesco Bagnaia and Nicolo Bulega. The event marked the first official step toward the Italian manufacturer's centenary celebrations in 2026, blending cutting-edge development with nods to its storied racing history.

The Desmosedici GP prototypes, precursors to the GP26 model, featured a reworked fairing that integrated aerodynamic elements more seamlessly than the versions used in the recent Valencia Grand Prix. Engineers, under the direction of Gigi Dall'Igna, maintained the team's core philosophy but pushed innovations from the Dallara wind tunnel to new limits. A key change involved reconfiguring the slot in the fairing's vertical profile to form a channel over the step, aimed at optimizing airflow. This design helps manage heat from the engine and radiator, directing cooler air to shield riders from disruptive hot blasts during high-speed corners. At the fairing's base, enhancements to the side diffuser inlet and a deeper channel...