🚨 “I REALLY CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!” Owner Gigi Dal’Igna couldn’t hide his astonishment after witnessing Marc Márquez’s incredibly impressive performance during the latest engine testing. The numbers that appeared before his eyes far exceeded all expectations, enough to cause a stir throughout the paddock.

In the high-pressure environment of MotoGP pre-season testing, even seasoned leaders can be caught off guard. Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse’s General Manager, openly admitted his disbelief after reviewing data from Marc Márquez’s latest outing on the Desmosedici GP26. The Spanish rider’s performance in Sepang exceeded all internal expectations.

The three-day test in Malaysia marked Márquez’s first proper return to the factory Ducati after shoulder surgery late in 2025. Despite not being at full fitness, he topped the timesheets on day one and finished the session strongly. His lap times and long-run consistency stunned the engineering team.

Dall’Igna, usually measured in his assessments, could not hide his reaction. Sources close to the team reported him saying he truly could not believe the numbers flashing on the screens. The data showed improvements in areas the squad had hoped to refine but not necessarily master this early.

Márquez’s adaptation to the updated bike was seamless. With engines frozen under new regulations, development focused on aerodynamics and a revised ride-height device. The eight-time world champion provided precise feedback that helped engineers unlock extra potential in cornering stability and drive out of turns.

The paddock quickly filled with murmurs about Ducati’s apparent edge. While Honda, Aprilia, and KTM showed incremental gains, none matched the pace set by the red machines. Alex Márquez led overall with a lap just shy of the track record, while his brother Marc remained competitive despite riding cautiously.

Dall’Igna’s astonishment stems from more than raw speed. It reflects how effectively Márquez extracts performance from small upgrades. The new ride-height system appears to suit the veteran’s aggressive style perfectly, allowing sharper turn-in and stronger exits.

Team insiders revealed that simulation runs produced particularly eye-opening results. Márquez’s pace over ten-lap stints suggested the GP26 could maintain high performance across race distances. This bodes well for the demanding 2026 calendar.

Márquez himself stayed grounded after the test. He admitted expecting to feel stronger but praised the bike’s balance. His focus remains on rebuilding full confidence in his body while fine-tuning setup details ahead of the season opener.

The test also highlighted strategic aero decisions. Riders used different sections of Sepang to simulate corners from Qatar, Jerez, and other circuits. This mental trick helped evaluate packages under varied conditions, with Ducati seemingly favoring a hybrid approach blending proven 2025 elements with new features.

Dall’Igna has long championed data-driven development. His reaction underscores the unexpected leap achieved in winter. The team arrived hoping for solid progress but left with evidence of a more significant step forward.

Rivals took note of the developments. Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola jokingly suggested some teams might already be eyeing 2027 regulations. Such comments reveal the psychological impact of Ducati’s consistent testing dominance.

Francesco Bagnaia, Márquez’s teammate, also delivered strong performances. His comfort with the new bike reinforced team harmony. The pairing of two champions creates a formidable development force that few manufacturers can match.

Beyond lap times, the test revealed Márquez’s enduring class. Even while managing recovery, he delivered sector times that highlighted his unmatched feel for the front end. This quality has defined his career and now elevates Ducati’s project.

The numbers from long runs particularly impressed Dall’Igna. Consistency at high pace under varying fuel loads suggested reliability improvements. These factors will prove crucial when the championship battle intensifies.

As testing shifts to Buriram, Thailand, Ducati will continue evaluating final aero choices. The homologation deadline looms, making these sessions decisive. Márquez’s input remains central to the process.

The broader MotoGP landscape shows other manufacturers closing gaps in some areas. Yet Ducati’s ability to integrate rider feedback with technical innovation maintains their advantage. The GP26 appears evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but highly effective.

Fans eagerly await the first races to see these gains translate to results. Márquez’s championship-winning form from 2025, combined with factory support, positions him as the clear favorite once again.

Dall’Igna’s candid reaction humanizes the engineering genius behind Ducati’s success. Even he, with decades of experience, can be surprised by exceptional talent meeting cutting-edge machinery at the right moment.

The 2026 season promises intense competition. However, early signs from Sepang suggest Ducati and Márquez have set a formidable benchmark. The paddock’s buzz reflects both admiration and concern among rivals.

In summary, the latest tests delivered more than technical validation. They reaffirmed Marc Márquez’s status as a generational talent and highlighted Ducati’s engineering depth under Gigi Dall’Igna’s guidance. The words “I really can’t believe what I just saw” may become a memorable footnote in what could be another dominant chapter for the Italian manufacturer.