Ducati Admits Mandalika Could Favour Aprilia

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi believes losing 10–12 championship points to Aprilia at the Indonesian Grand Prix would not be a disaster for Marc Márquez's 2026 MotoGP title challenge.

Despite Márquez's dominant performance at Motegi, Ducati expects a tougher weekend at Mandalika, where the circuit characteristics could favour Jorge Martin's Aprilia.

Speaking to TNT Sports following the Japanese Grand Prix, Tardozzi admitted:

"Mandalika doesn't suit our bike properly."

He suggested that losing 10–12 points to Martin could still be considered an acceptable result, although Ducati remains determined to fight for victory.

Ducati wants to win. But protecting the championship could be just as important.

Why Aprilia Could Have the Advantage in Indonesia

Mandalika presents a different challenge compared with Motegi.

While the Japanese circuit rewards strong braking performance and acceleration, Indonesia's flowing corners and rapid direction changes could better suit the Aprilia RS-GP.

Ducati's GP26 may struggle to match Aprilia's cornering performance, making the Indonesian round particularly important for Martin.

Márquez also faces a difficult personal record at Mandalika.

The Spaniard has never finished a Sunday MotoGP Grand Prix at the Indonesian circuit, with previous appearances affected by crashes, mechanical failures and injuries.

His most recent visit in 2025 ended following a first-lap collision with Marco Bezzecchi that caused a serious shoulder injury.

Mandalika has never been kind to Márquez. Aprilia could make it even tougher.

MotoGP Title Battle Remains Extremely Close

The Indonesian Grand Prix arrives with only two points separating Martin and Márquez in the championship standings.

Márquez reduced Martin's advantage from 12 points to just two after winning both the Sprint and Grand Prix at Motegi.

However, if Ducati loses 10–12 points to Martin across the Indonesian weekend, Márquez's championship deficit could increase to 12–14 points.

With five rounds remaining after Mandalika, that would still leave the title battle wide open.

For Ducati, avoiding a costly mistake could be more valuable than taking unnecessary risks.

Ducati Still Targets Victory at Mandalika

Despite acknowledging Aprilia's potential advantage, Tardozzi made it clear that Ducati will not approach Indonesia simply hoping to minimise its losses.

The team remains focused on giving Márquez the best possible opportunity to fight at the front.

The Indonesian Grand Prix takes place from October 9–11, followed by the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

For Winbox Racing, Ducati's cautious approach highlights how strategic the final stages of the 2026 MotoGP championship have become.

Every point matters, but the title will not be decided by a single weekend.

Two points behind. A difficult circuit ahead. Five more rounds after Indonesia.

Ducati is prepared to lose a battle at Mandalika — but not the championship war.

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