During the unveiling of the 2026 Ducati livery for Gresini Racing on Saturday, January 31st, in Kuala Lumpur, Michele Masini expressed a certain optimism about the upcoming MotoGP season, while acknowledging that last year's success might not end up being repeated. Satisfied and smiling for "personal reasons", the Italian manager spoke about both the challenges that lie ahead for the team as well as revealing the nature of a goal he had just achieved.
"I've become Riccione's ambassador to the world, and I'm very proud of this, because I'm very proud to say that I'm from Romagna," the young manager said jokingly. "Riccione is the heart of Romagna, located halfway between Rimini and Misano, and I want to emphasize this, even if it's not exactly true," he specifed, before returning to the race "report."
Second in 2025 with Marquez and victorious in a race with Aldeguer, what do you expect from 2026?
"First of all, I'm proud that Gresini Racing has reached its 30th season in the World Championship. Secondly, I expect to start exactly as we did last year, determined, step by step, and without overdoing it, because we already knew that, after the tests last season, the potential was high. Now we're equally aware of this, thanks to the results we've achieved, but I'd like to personally forget about them, since everyone starts from zero points, so it's going to be very important to keep our feet on the ground. We know we have something extra this time, both with Alex enjoying the factory package thanks to Ducati Corse and with Fermin having accumulated a year of experience, so he no longer needs to get to know the tracks with the MotoGP. This year, I think we'll find the learning process over the weekend easier."
Regarding Aldeguer, can you tell us how he's doing? When do you think we'll see him back on the bike?
"I went to see him and found him mentally very motivated and focused. He's doing everything he can in terms of physical therapy but, as far as I'm concerned, I prefer that he respect his recovery time and be one hundred percent. That's why we don't know a specific date. We'll probably find out in the next few weeks. These are crucial stages of rehabilitation, especially for bone calcification after surgery. Anyway, we're following him closely, and we know he's back in the gym, but there's still a long way to go."
So can the first race in Thailand be categorically ruled out?
"No, I can neither include nor exclude it. The next two weeks will give us a date. The results from the doctors is what matters."
What bike will Fermin ride?
"He'll have the GP25, which is the official bike for 2025. It's a winning package with incredible potential."
How does having a factory bike in the garage change your day-to-day work?
"First of all, the rider has to express his feelings and, secondly, the manufacturer develops the bike based on those opinions. As far as we at Gresini are concerned, I don't think there are going to be any major changes in our approach. We'll just have more tools at our disposal to better adapt the bike package to Alex's needs. It's important not to fill your head with strange things, because we have all the potential, along with our engineers, to give Marquez the best bike possible."
How many years has Michele Masini been with Gresini Racing?
"I joined in 2008, so many years. I already feel quite experienced in the category, even though I don't have white hair like many of my colleagues. That said, I'm proud to work for this family and company. All of us on the team are trying to do our best to make Nadia and Fausto proud of us every day."
Riders always dream of racing for a factory team. Is the same true for a sporting director?
"Let's just say that I personally have a goal in mind, and I'm simply going to continue doing my own thing."
The riders market has gone crazy these days. Are you thinking about that?
"It actually started very early, and the fact that Alex is at the center of several rumors makes me somewhat proud, because he deserves it and because he's a top-level rider. As for us, we're trying to stay on top of things and work."
Your contract with Ducati will also expire at the end of 2026. How do you see the future of the Gresini team?
"Our collaboration has definitely improved year after year, so a renewal seems to be the natural path. The results on the track are proof that we're growing together. This year, we'll have the factory package for Alex, so I hope we can grow further with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer."
Is your desire to become fully supported by Ducati?
"I believe that my dream can be achieved, even like we were last year. As for the rest, we'll discuss it with the manufacturer. For now, I'm proud of the package we have."