Ducati kicks off the 2026 MotoGP season in Madonna di Campiglio

Ducati has fired the first shot of its 2026 racing campaign, once again rolling into the Dolomites for its now-traditional season opener. For the fourth year running, Madonna di Campiglio became Ducati central from 18–20 January, as Campioni in Pista brought together factory riders, management, media, and fans for three days of racing culture, snow, and unmistakable Italian flair.

The headline act was the official unveiling of the Ducati Lenovo Team and the all-new Desmosedici GP for 2026 – and yes, it looks as special as you’d expect.

Leading the charge this season are reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez (#93) and Ducati stalwart Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (#63), who’s coming into 2026 with plenty to prove. The championship gets underway in Thailand on 1 March, but this season carries extra weight for Ducati, as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary (1926–2026).

To mark the centenary, Ducati has wrapped the Desmosedici GP in a stunning Rosso Centenario matte red, paired with twin white racing stripes. The colour choice isn’t random either – it’s a nod to Ducati’s roots, matching the red used on the 1949 Ducati 60 (the company’s first complete motorcycle) and the legendary 1955 Gran Sport Marianna, Ducati’s first purpose-built race bike designed by Fabio Taglioni.

The modern interpretation of the classic livery, designed by Aldo Drudi alongside Centro Stile Ducati, sees the white stripes flow forward and wrap around the bike’s front air intake – a functional aero element that also happens to look properly menacing.

Red, racing, and history – all rolled into one.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “Campioni in Pista has become a symbolic event for Ducati, and returning to Madonna di Campiglio for the fourth consecutive year strengthens our bond with a territory of excellence. Every year we look forward to this moment not only to present the Ducati Lenovo Team, but above all for the pleasure of meeting up, spending time together, and sharing time with those who are part of the Ducati universe. We are convinced that results also come from this: from the ability to work as a team both on and off the track, to build solid relationships, and to approach work with enthusiasm. Looking ahead to the season that is about to begin, with Marc and Pecco, we are lining up two absolute benchmark riders, with talent and a winning mentality, together with a team that over the years has demonstrated its ability to grow alongside its riders and consistently compete at the highest levels. This season, we will also bring an important piece of our history to the track, with a Desmosedici GP that has never been so representative of our identity. The Rosso Centenario livery, which brings together three founding elements of Ducati: the colour red that has always distinguished us, the racing spirit expressed by the Desmosedici GP and the celebration of the centenary of our founding. Seeing all this expressed on the track will be a special emotion.”

The team presentation took place on Monday 19 January at PalaCampiglio and was broadcast live across Ducati and Dorna’s digital platforms, as well as Sky Sport MotoGP. Fans packed into Piazza Sissi were also able to watch the reveal live, before heading into town later that day to meet the stars in person.

Bagnaia and Márquez were joined by Ducati MotoGP tester Michele Pirro, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse boss Luigi Dall’Igna, Sporting Director Mauro Grassilli, and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, all greeted by a seriously enthusiastic crowd. Local dignitaries also joined the stage, underlining just how important this event has become for the region.

Tuesday was all about what Campioni in Pista does best: getting everyone involved. From skiing sessions – including the traditional race featuring Ducati management, partners, journalists, and Bagnaia himself – to a more laid-back mountain walk to Lake Nambino for those, like Márquez, keen to soak up the scenery, the focus was on sharing the experience.

Before dinner, guests were treated to a standout highlight: a visit to a racing exhibition at the Dolomieu Observatory, celebrating 70 years of Ducati competition. The immersive display featured everything from the 1955 Gran Sport Marianna 125 to the electric MotoE V21L, alongside icons like the 900 SS IOM TT, 851 F90, Desmosedici GP (2007), Panigale V4 R, and Bagnaia’s 2022 title-winning Desmosedici.

The exhibition tied neatly into Ducati’s centenary theme, “A Century Made of Seconds” – a reminder that racing has always been at the core of the brand.

Created with the support of the Madonna di Campiglio Tourist Board, Trentino Marketing, Audi, and key partners Lenovo, Monster Energy, and Shell, Campioni in Pista once again proved it’s more than just a team launch. It’s Ducati showing the world what it stands for – on track, off track, and everywhere in between.

One thing’s clear: as Ducati heads into its second century, it’s doing so with confidence, history on its side, and two of the biggest names in MotoGP ready to go racing.