Ducati nominated in three Autosport Awards

• Ducati is the sole motorcycle brand nominated in the 2026 Autosport Awards
• Ducati's impact within two-wheeled racing is reflected in the nominations, with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer competing with the biggest icons from F1
• Closing date for fans to vote is the 21st of December

The Autosport Awards celebrate the very best of motorsport. And votes are now open for the 38th annual Awards, with the winners set to be revealed on 21st January 2026 at London’s Roundhouse. 

Greg James, star of the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show and co-host of The Fast and the Curious Formula 1 podcast, will host the event which will champion heroes from Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, and MotoGP.

Ducati are the only motorcycle manufacturer to appear as nominees in the prestigious awards, featuring in three separate categories.

Driver of the year - Marc Márquez

Driver of the Year is one of the industry’s most prestigious honours. The award is open to professional racing drivers and is one of the founding Autosport Awards. Seventeen Formula 1 world champions have been awarded Driver of the Year, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton. Up against the likes of Lando Norris and Max Verstapen, Marc Márquez is the sole motorcycle racer in the category this year. 

Any doubts over Márquez’s ability following his 2020 injuries were well and truly dispelled this season. Riding for the Ducati Lenovo Team onboard a factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP25 for the first time, the Spanish rider dominated MotoGP and his 15th GP podium of the campaign secured his seventh top-tier title. 

Rookie of the Year - Fermín Aldeguer

The Rookie award is open to professional drivers in the first season of their respective categories. First awarded to Jenson Button in 2000, Rookie of the Year has also been awarded to Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.

Fermín Aldeguer, the only motorcycle racer in the category, stepped up to the top class of motorcycle racing with the Gresini Racing squad, riding a Ducati alongside teammate Alex Márquez. The 20-year-old Spaniard scored his first podium as early as round six in France, going on to take his maiden MotoGP victory in Indonesia in October.

Team of the Year - Ducati

Team of the Year is a new Autosport Award for 2025 and is open to outstanding teams competing in motorsports - rewarding fine teamwork, beyond an individual.

Ducati retained its place at the top of the MotoGP tree in 2025 with the new factory signing Marc Márquez dominating the season and taking the title, while Ducati comfortably wrapped up both the constructors’ and teams’ contests.

Fan voting is officially open for the Autosport Awards, and your choices will determine which nominees make it to the final stage. Cast your vote here