DUCATI ADOPTS APRILIA-STYLE REAR WINGLET AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Ducati has brought a new aerodynamic part to the Australian Grand Prix, but the upgrade appears to take a cue from a rival rather than set a fresh direction. A rear winglet spotted on the GP26 at Phillip Island resembles an element Aprilia has used on its RS-GP26, according to a report by GPOne.

The winglet is understood to help improve stability at high speed—a useful quality at Phillip Island, where riders can exceed 220mph. Its arrival is the second time this season Ducati has introduced equipment bearing a resemblance to Aprilia’s. At the United States Grand Prix, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia’s bikes gained “seat wings” similar to those on the Aprilia.

The development adds weight to questions raised earlier in the year by five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan about the changing balance between the manufacturers. Ducati has dominated the premier class for much of the decade, winning the constructors’ championship every year in that period, even when a Ducati rider did not take the riders’ title. But Aprilia has emerged as a leading force in 2026, with its aerodynamic package helping Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi in their respective title campaigns.

Speaking to Marca, Doohan said he could not tell whether Aprilia had made a major advance or Ducati had lost ground. “What I don’t understand is Ducati. I’m not sure if Aprilia took a big step forward or if Ducati lost ground. And why did they lose ground?” he said.

He also questioned the development direction at Ducati, noting that VR46’s satellite bikes seemed to be performing better than the factory machines. “If that’s the case, who has been leading the development? Have they been going in the right direction?” Doohan asked, again stressing that he did not know whether Aprilia had improved or Ducati had slipped.

Ducati’s apparent adoption of ideas associated with Aprilia suggests the factory is responding to the competitive gap, though the source does not establish why the GP26’s development has taken this course. The team remains in contention: Marc Marquez is still among the leading candidates for the 2026 world title, and Ducati will be encouraged if he can continue extracting strong results from the bike.