MotoGP Qatar GP

Iker Lecuona felt significant differences between Ducati's GP25 and GP26

Switching from the Ducati GP25 to the GP26 presented Iker Lecuona with a new challenge in Qatar, with the Spaniard explaining how the two bikes differ.

Juliane Ziegengeist Germán Garcia Casanova

Published: Nov 13, 2026, 10:59 AM

Copy link

Share on Viber

Add as a preferred source

Iker Lecuona, Gresini Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

Iker Lecuona had to adapt to a different Ducati during the MotoGP weekend in Qatar. Having previously ridden Fermin Aldeguer's GP25, the Spaniard took over Alex Marquez's bike in Losail, giving him access to the latest specification of the Desmosedici.

Asked about the differences between the two Ducati versions, Lecuona said: "It feels different, feels different. We need to ride in a little bit different style, let's say. You know, you can see the difference on the aerodynamics, and I can feel the difference."

The World Superbike rider has made several recent appearances for Gresini Ducati this year. After impressing with his performance in Hungary, he replaced the injured Aldeguer in Australia and Malaysia before stepping in for Marquez in Losail. This meant switching from the GP25 to the GP26 within a relatively short period.

Adapting to the latest Ducati "was not easy"

The change came at an inconvenient time for the 26-year-old. After several weeks on the same bike, he had to get used to a different overall package immediately before the Qatar weekend.

"After two weeks, almost three weeks with the same bike, then coming with that one, it was not easy to adapt and to learn," he said.

Despite the additional work involved, his overall assessment was positive. The Spaniard viewed the weekend as an important learning opportunity and gave himself a high mark for his performance.

"But, I did almost like nine in my notes for this exam. This weekend I put a nine because I think I learned a lot, I improved a lot," he said.

Iker Lecuona, Gresini Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

Lecuona finished ninth in the sprint and 10th in the grand prix, scoring points in both races.

MotoGP experience an advantage for WorldSBK

The 26-year-old normally rides for Ducati's factory team in WSBK. He also sees his MotoGP outings as an opportunity to gain valuable experience for his future in the series.

Asked what specific lessons he could take back to WorldSBK, Lecuona highlighted several areas: "The way to brake with the Michelin, the way to manage the tyre, the way to work with the body [of the bike], to understand what I miss on the bike. So that is the main difference and help me for the future."

Those lessons could prove particularly useful in the long term, given that WorldSBK will switch from Pirelli to Michelin tyres next season.

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

Share Or Save This Story

Copy link

Share on Viber

Previous article Jack Miller explains what he wants to achieve in WorldSBK after MotoGP exit

Next article Why aerodynamics will become "even more important" under 2027 MotoGP regulations

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

View More & Comment

Latest news

The numbers that reveal how sprint races have turned the MotoGP title fight upside down

MotoGP

MGP MotoGP

Qatar GP

8 min

The numbers that reveal how sprint races have turned the MotoGP title fight upside down

2027 Formula E drivers and teams: The line-up so far

Formula E

FE Formula E 2 h

2027 Formula E drivers and teams: The line-up so far

Kimi Antonelli meets Italian president Sergio Mattarella

Formula 1

F1 Formula 1 2 h

Kimi Antonelli meets Italian president Sergio Mattarella

How seizing every chance – and making it happen – keeps Pierre Gasly’s fire burning

Formula 1

How seizing every chance – and making it happen – keeps Pierre Gasly’s fire burning

Feature

Discover prime content

MotoGP needs to heed the warning signs as riders drop like flies

MotoGP

Qatar GP

By Richard Asher

MotoGP needs to heed the warning signs as riders drop like flies

Five things we learned at MotoGP's controversial Qatar Grand Prix

MotoGP

Qatar GP

By Richard Asher

Five things we learned at MotoGP's controversial Qatar Grand Prix

Why MotoGP's handling of the Qatar Grand Prix could alienate an entire generation of fans

MotoGP

Malaysian GP

By Richard Asher

Why MotoGP's handling of the Qatar Grand Prix could alienate an entire generation of fans

Five things we learned from MotoGP's steamy Malaysian Grand Prix

MotoGP

Malaysian GP

By Richard Asher

Five things we learned from MotoGP's steamy Malaysian Grand Prix

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