Marc Marquez Akui Ducati Kesulitan di Mandalika: Bukan Motor, Ini Salah Saya
Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has taken full responsibility for the traction difficulties he experienced aboard his Ducati at the Indonesian Grand Prix, refusing to blame the motorcycle's setup despite finishing sixth in Sunday's main race at Mandalika.
The Spanish rider, who claimed his seventh premier class title in 2025 and now races for the factory Ducati Lenovo Team, struggled to find optimal rear grip throughout the weekend at the notoriously challenging Lombok circuit. His sixth-place finish came in stark contrast to his Sprint race victory on Saturday, which had briefly given him a four-point championship lead.
Following Sunday's main race, won by Marco Bezzecchi as Aprilia swept all four podium positions, Marquez acknowledged the grip issues but pointedly declined to fault his equipment. The result allowed Jorge Martin to reclaim the championship lead at round 17 of the 22-race season.
After Friday practice sessions, Marquez had expressed optimism about the increasingly rubber-laden track surface. In footage from Inside Ducati, he explained his riding philosophy:
The more rubber on the track, the better for me, because I rely heavily on lean angle.
However, traction problems persisted into Saturday. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi, an eight-time Superbike World Championship-winning team boss with over three decades at Ducati, suggested adjustments during their discussions.
I want to recommend that you look at your body position as well as the bike setup. Try to do something to get better traction. I don't know,Tardozzi advised.
Circuit Characteristics Add to Challenge
The Mandalika International Street Circuit presents unique difficulties for MotoGP teams. The track surface is notably abrasive, causing accelerated tire wear and grip challenges that have affected competition since the venue joined the calendar in 2022. Michelin brings specially reinforced rear tire casings to cope with extreme heat demands at the Indonesian circuit, though this stiffer construction inherently reduces available grip.
Ducati had anticipated difficulties at the venue. Before the weekend began, Tardozzi stated that losing 10 to 12 championship points would constitute an acceptable outcome at Mandalika, acknowledging it as a particularly difficult circuit for both the motorcycle and Marquez, while emphasizing the team still aimed for victory.
The struggles mark a notable shift from recent Ducati performance at the circuit. Fermin Aldeguer, riding for Gresini Ducati, won the 2025 Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, demonstrating the Italian manufacturer's previous competitiveness at the venue.
Aprilia Advantage Becomes Apparent
While Ducati grappled with rear grip limitations, Aprilia's RS-GP26 demonstrated superior traction performance. The Italian manufacturer has shown consistent strength at circuits demanding strong rear grip throughout the 2026 season, building on momentum from pre-season testing where the marque established itself as the pace-setter.
Marquez's contrasting performances across the Mandalika weekend—from Sprint victory to sixth-place finish in the Grand Prix—highlighted the fine margins in modern MotoGP racing and the critical importance of traction management, particularly at demanding circuits during the championship's decisive late-season phase.
Despite the setback, Marquez's willingness to accept personal responsibility rather than criticize his machinery reflects the collaborative approach between rider and team as they navigate the challenges of defending his world championship title.
