Analysis
MotoGP Valencia GP
Tech analysis: Ducati’s more extreme fairing solution for Valencia MotoGP test
Ducati debuted a revised aero package in Valencia as it continues developing the GP26 for the final year of the current rules era. We analyse the Italian marque’s new fairing
Franco Nugnes
Edited: Nov 21, 2025, 12:39 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Ducati Team bike detail
Photo by: GPOne
Ducati rolled out significant electronic updates and aerodynamic solutions for its 2026 MotoGP challenger at the Valencia test on Tuesday, debuting a noticeably reworked fairing compared with the version Francesco Bagnaia and Nicolo Bulega raced just 48 hours earlier.
While Aprilia’s camouflaged RS-GP showcased several fresh aerodynamic concepts hinting at a major shift in its development direction, Ducati has - at least for now - remained loyal to its established philosophy, pushing its existing ideas further than ever.
Initial feedback from the track was encouraging. Alex Marquez, who also had the opportunity to test 2026-spec Michelin tyres, reported a positive feeling, Bulega improved his performance from last weekend and while Bagnaia ended up just over three tenths off the pace, he set his best time on the slower medium rear tyre after his final time attack was cut short by a crash at Turn 2.
The bike serving as the precursor to the GP26 continues to follow the development trajectory laid out by Ducati’s engineering department under the guidance of Gigi Dall’Igna. The overall fairing philosophy remains intact, but the ideas born at the Dallara wind tunnel in Varano de’ Melegari have been pushed to new extremes.
The slot is no longer an aerodynamic element in itself, but is integrated into the vertical profile, creating a kind of channel that runs over the step. MotoGP teams always strive for efficiency, and to improve performance pay close attention to managing the intense heat generated by the engine and the radiator.
Ducati Team bike detail
Photo by: GPOne
The aim is to clean up the airflow and prevent the rider from being hit by hot air - something that could disrupt their concentration while riding at the limit.
It's no surprise, then, that so much care has been taken with the bike's internal air flow, with Ducati directing air towards areas that minimise the negative impact.
At the bottom of the fairing, the increased airflow at the side diffuser inlet is immediately noticeable, as is the much deeper and more pronounced channel created between the aerodynamic element and the side panel itself. It's a proper air channel, designed to maximise downforce when the bike is fully leaned over.
Ducati almost certainly kept some of its cards hidden in Valencia, but Bagnaia’s smile at the end of the day in Valencia suggests that the three-time world champion might finally be on the right track towards his recovery.
Photos from Valencia November test
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
Valencia November test, in photos
MotoGP
55
Read Also:
MotoGPWhat Aprilia hopes to unlock with radical 2026 MotoGP aero package
MotoGPFrancesco Bagnaia “happy” again after testing new Ducati MotoGP bike in Valencia
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article What Aprilia hopes to unlock with radical 2026 MotoGP aero package
Next article Jorge Martin still feels like a “rookie” at times on Aprilia’s MotoGP bike
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Franco Nugnes
Aston Martin braces for Australian GP pain amid Honda F1 crisis
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Aston Martin braces for Australian GP pain amid Honda F1 crisis
Alpine's innovative 2026 F1 rear wing explained
Formula 1
Formula 1
Barcelona-Catalunya Pre-Season Testing
Alpine's innovative 2026 F1 rear wing explained
Gianpiero Lambiase in talks to leave Red Bull for Williams or Aston Martin
Formula 1
Formula 1
Gianpiero Lambiase in talks to leave Red Bull for Williams or Aston Martin
Latest news
Ai Ogura explains Marc Marquez battle in Malaysia sprint, denies Aprilia team orders
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Malaysian GP
9 min
Ai Ogura explains Marc Marquez battle in Malaysia sprint, denies Aprilia team orders
George Russell tips Frederik Vesti for F1 2027 Cadillac seat
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
39 min
George Russell tips Frederik Vesti for F1 2027 Cadillac seat
"I can do much better than this," laments Francesco Bagnaia after smashing windscreen
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Malaysian GP
1 h
"I can do much better than this," laments Francesco Bagnaia after smashing windscreen
Red Bull finds ‘disconnect’ in RB22 in F1 Mexico GP practice
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Red Bull finds ‘disconnect’ in RB22 in F1 Mexico GP practice
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe