{"id":1876000,"date":"2026-04-10T12:56:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876000"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:56:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:56:24","slug":"mick-doohan-what-i-dont-understand-is-ducati-amid-aprilia-motogp-dominance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876000","title":{"rendered":"Mick Doohan: \u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is Ducati\u201d amid Aprilia MotoGP dominance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Mick Doohan: \u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is Ducati\u201d amid Aprilia MotoGP dominance<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mick Doohan is unsure if \u201cAprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back\u201d in MotoGP 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:56:24+01:00\">10 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Bezzecchi, Marc Marquez, 2026 Thai MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says it is still too early to draw conclusions about the 2026 MotoGP title fight but admits Ducati\u2019s form is difficult to decipher.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati, which has won the last four riders\u2019 titles, is yet to win a grand prix this season, with its last victory coming at the hands of Alex Marquez in Malaysia last October.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi has won all five grands prix since and leads the 2026 world championship, despite crashing out of two Sprint races.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate Jorge Martin has added a Sprint win and multiple podiums, while Raul Fernandez has also put his Trackhouse Aprilia into the top three.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati\u2019s only victory so far this season is a Sprint win for reigning champion Marc Marquez in Brazil.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Marquez, still recovering from shoulder surgery, is yet to finish on the grand prix podium, losing further points due to a wheel rim failure in Buriram and a Sprint crash at COTA, where he also took out Fabio di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p>The VR46 rider is currently the leading Ducati rider in the standings, in fourth place, behind KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta and the two Aprilias.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51221680ef0f3ff25d72f3d56a548bd9547500ef177f7d17f078bceb8c7ee5d8\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile, Ducati is down 42 points in the constructors&#8217; standings relative to the same time last year, with Aprilia up by 68.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it&#8217;s still too early to talk about this season,\u201d Doohan told Marca.com. \u201cWe&#8217;ll be back in Europe soon. We&#8217;ll see what happens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat I don&#8217;t understand is Ducati. I&#8217;m not sure if Aprilia took a big step forward or if Ducati lost ground. And [if so], why did they lose ground?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f802edabf51f1175e88a8c0eb57875c3f3048d60423dab9e14f04798223bdc18\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut it seems that the VR46 satellite team are performing better than the factory Ducati bikes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf that&#8217;s the case, who has been leading the development? Have they been going in the right direction?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I don&#8217;t know if Aprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin with Nicky Hayden flag, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While Bezzecchi has continued his strong end to last season, team-mate Martin has emerged as one of the early surprises.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Injured for much of last season, then sidelined for part of 2026 pre-season testing, the 2024 world champion has finished on the rostrum in the last four races (including Sprints).<\/p>\n<p>Martin returns to Europe just four points behind Bezzecchi, his confidence and knowledge of the RS-GP improving with each round.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBezzecchi has done an incredible job with that bike; he&#8217;s very strong over a single lap and in race distance. The Aprilia looks very strong,\u201d Doohan said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs for Martin, first of all, I like the guy. He&#8217;s down-to-earth, a normal human being, and extremely fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe saw that when he won the world championship with a Ducati at Pramac.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, he was injured a lot last year. He went through some very tough times with Aprilia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, he&#8217;s had a good start. He&#8217;s second in the World Championship. Everything is going great for him&#8230; except he needs to practice his victory lap celebrations!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Martin crashed during a wheelie while celebrating his debut Aprilia win in the COTA Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marco Bezzecchi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jorge Martin<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mick Doohan<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> \u201cOne of the darkest moments\u201d: Trevathan \u201cproud\u201d that Pol settled Portimao score &#8211; Exclusive<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1280555_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Maverick Vinales explains suspected cause of \u2018loose screw\u2019 injury<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1296262_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-e8878f526953b1ceacafd318e165e172549f47627769eec1c58e0a16f8231d17\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-c3166a63d2cec9318c375fa0fbc3a9b627c6740694fff3c3b1702342b4872640\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775467985\"> 06\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304044_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775300400\"> 04\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304245_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775289600\"> 04\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303921_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi leads, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775203200\"> 03\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299770_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, Aprilia, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP manufacturers \u201chappy\u201d after crunch Liberty meeting, 2027 rider deals imminent?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775059194\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304360_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Start, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775054154\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302925_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Martin, Bagnaia, Acosta, 2026 US MotoGP Sprint.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mick Doohan is unsure if \u201cAprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back\u201d in MotoGP 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says it is still too early to draw conclusions about the 2026 MotoGP title fight but admits Ducati\u2019s form is difficult to decipher.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati, which has won the last four riders\u2019 titles, is yet to win a grand prix this season, with its last victory coming at the hands of Alex Marquez in Malaysia last October.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi has won all five grands prix since and leads the 2026 world championship, despite crashing out of two Sprint races.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate Jorge Martin has added a Sprint win and multiple podiums, while Raul Fernandez has also put his Trackhouse Aprilia into the top three.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati\u2019s only victory so far this season is a Sprint win for reigning champion Marc Marquez in Brazil.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Marquez, still recovering from shoulder surgery, is yet to finish on the grand prix podium, losing further points due to a wheel rim failure in Buriram and a Sprint crash at COTA, where he also took out Fabio di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p>The VR46 rider is currently the leading Ducati rider in the standings, in fourth place, behind KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta and the two Aprilias.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51221680ef0f3ff25d72f3d56a548bd9547500ef177f7d17f078bceb8c7ee5d8\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile, Ducati is down 42 points in the constructors&#8217; standings relative to the same time last year, with Aprilia up by 68.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it&#8217;s still too early to talk about this season,\u201d Doohan told Marca.com. \u201cWe&#8217;ll be back in Europe soon. We&#8217;ll see what happens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat I don&#8217;t understand is Ducati. I&#8217;m not sure if Aprilia took a big step forward or if Ducati lost ground. And [if so], why did they lose ground?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f802edabf51f1175e88a8c0eb57875c3f3048d60423dab9e14f04798223bdc18\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut it seems that the VR46 satellite team are performing better than the factory Ducati bikes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf that&#8217;s the case, who has been leading the development? Have they been going in the right direction?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I don&#8217;t know if Aprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin with Nicky Hayden flag, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While Bezzecchi has continued his strong end to last season, team-mate Martin has emerged as one of the early surprises.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Injured for much of last season, then sidelined for part of 2026 pre-season testing, the 2024 world champion has finished on the rostrum in the last four races (including Sprints).<\/p>\n<p>Martin returns to Europe just four points behind Bezzecchi, his confidence and knowledge of the RS-GP improving with each round.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBezzecchi has done an incredible job with that bike; he&#8217;s very strong over a single lap and in race distance. The Aprilia looks very strong,\u201d Doohan said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs for Martin, first of all, I like the guy. He&#8217;s down-to-earth, a normal human being, and extremely fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe saw that when he won the world championship with a Ducati at Pramac.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, he was injured a lot last year. He went through some very tough times with Aprilia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, he&#8217;s had a good start. He&#8217;s second in the World Championship. Everything is going great for him&#8230; except he needs to practice his victory lap celebrations!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Martin crashed during a wheelie while celebrating his debut Aprilia win in the COTA Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says it is still too early to draw conclusions about the 2026 MotoGP title fight but admits Ducati\u2019s form is difficult to decipher.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati, which has won the last four riders\u2019 titles, is yet to win a grand prix this season, with its last victory coming at the hands of Alex Marquez in Malaysia last October.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi has won all five grands prix since and leads the 2026 world championship, despite crashing out of two Sprint races.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate Jorge Martin has added a Sprint win and multiple podiums, while Raul Fernandez has also put his Trackhouse Aprilia into the top three.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati\u2019s only victory so far this season is a Sprint win for reigning champion Marc Marquez in Brazil.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But Marquez, still recovering from shoulder surgery, is yet to finish on the grand prix podium, losing further points due to a wheel rim failure in Buriram and a Sprint crash at COTA, where he also took out Fabio di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p>The VR46 rider is currently the leading Ducati rider in the standings, in fourth place, behind KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta and the two Aprilias.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-51221680ef0f3ff25d72f3d56a548bd9547500ef177f7d17f078bceb8c7ee5d8\">  Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle   Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile, Ducati is down 42 points in the constructors&#8217; standings relative to the same time last year, with Aprilia up by 68.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think it&#8217;s still too early to talk about this season,\u201d Doohan told Marca.com. \u201cWe&#8217;ll be back in Europe soon. We&#8217;ll see what happens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat I don&#8217;t understand is Ducati. I&#8217;m not sure if Aprilia took a big step forward or if Ducati lost ground. And [if so], why did they lose ground?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f802edabf51f1175e88a8c0eb57875c3f3048d60423dab9e14f04798223bdc18\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut it seems that the VR46 satellite team are performing better than the factory Ducati bikes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf that&#8217;s the case, who has been leading the development? Have they been going in the right direction?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I don&#8217;t know if Aprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304162_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin with Nicky Hayden flag, 2026 US MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While Bezzecchi has continued his strong end to last season, team-mate Martin has emerged as one of the early surprises.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Injured for much of last season, then sidelined for part of 2026 pre-season testing, the 2024 world champion has finished on the rostrum in the last four races (including Sprints).<\/p>\n<p>Martin returns to Europe just four points behind Bezzecchi, his confidence and knowledge of the RS-GP improving with each round.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBezzecchi has done an incredible job with that bike; he&#8217;s very strong over a single lap and in race distance. The Aprilia looks very strong,\u201d Doohan said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs for Martin, first of all, I like the guy. He&#8217;s down-to-earth, a normal human being, and extremely fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe saw that when he won the world championship with a Ducati at Pramac.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, he was injured a lot last year. He went through some very tough times with Aprilia.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, he&#8217;s had a good start. He&#8217;s second in the World Championship. Everything is going great for him&#8230; except he needs to practice his victory lap celebrations!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Martin crashed during a wheelie while celebrating his debut Aprilia win in the COTA Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1092961\/1\/mick-doohan-what-i-dont-understand-ducati-amid-aprilia-motogp-dominance&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1293751_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Mick Doohan: \u201cWhat I don\u2019t understand is Ducati\u201d amid Aprilia MotoGP dominance Mick Doohan is unsure if \u201cAprilia took a big step forward or Ducati took a step back\u201d in MotoGP 2026. Peter McLaren 10 Apr 2026 Share Marco Bezzecchi, Marc Marquez, 2026 Thai MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1876000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1876000"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876000\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}