The roar of the new season begins at the Sepang International Circuit, where the Ducati Lenovo Team officially kicks off its 2026 MotoGP campaign. The spotlight is firmly on the debut of the Ducati Desmosedici GP in its striking Rosso Centenario livery—a machine built to defend titles and chase new records.
For World Champion Marc Márquez, making his highly anticipated return to racing, and reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, the three-day test in Malaysia marks the first true taste of the year ahead. Both riders step onto the track with ambitious goals, determined to sharpen their edge before the opening race in Thailand (February 27 – March 1).
From Campioni in Pista to Sepang
Fresh from unveiling the new livery at Campioni in Pista, Marc and Pecco now shift focus to performance. The Sepang test is more than a warm-up—it’s the proving ground where Ducati’s engineering meets rider instinct, setting the tone for the battles to come.
Shakedown and Preparation
Before the official riders take to the circuit, Michele Pirro and Ducati’s Test Team worked tirelessly during the Shakedown (January 29–31). With countless laps and a packed schedule, Pirro laid the foundation, ensuring the Desmosedici GP arrives at Sepang ready for fine-tuning.
“The first test of the season here in Malaysia is always tough,” Pirro admitted. “There’s a lot of parts to evaluate, and the weather adds its own challenge. But we worked hard, and I’m satisfied. We have a solid base, and now it’s about gathering feedback from Marc, Pecco, and the other Ducati riders. There’s still plenty to do, but the first impression is definitely positive.”
From February 3–5, Marc and Pecco will push the new Desmosedici GP to its limits during the official tests. Their schedule also includes the grand MotoGP season launch on February 7 in Kuala Lumpur—KL26Launch, a fan festival blending road shows, entertainment, and the energy of the sport’s biggest names.
With three titles to defend and a legacy to extend, Ducati Lenovo Team enters 2026 not just with confidence, but with the hunger to dominate once again.