The Grinner - Tarran Mackenzie is back with MGM Racing on 2026 Ducati

Last season it was great to see Taz finding form again.

The #95 is back — now in black and baby blue with red trim — as Taz gears up for his first full season with the team 🔥

Day two of testing at a cloudy Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto marked the official launch of MGM Optical Express Racing’s 2026 campaign, and there’s a genuine sense of momentum coming into the new year.

Tarran Mackenzie returns as the team’s sole rider after joining midway through 2025 following Scott Redding’s departure — and the results spoke for themselves. Mackenzie made his debut at Balaton Park in round eight and looked stronger every weekend as he settled in.

To put it into context: before the switch, he’d scored points just four times all season. After joining MGM, he finished in the points nine times in 15 races, capped off with a standout final round featuring top-ten finishes in every race. Not bad going.

Speaking about the season ahead, Mackenzie said he’s buzzing to finally reveal the new colours and backing, praising the work done behind the scenes over winter. He’s confident the Ducati Panigale V4 R will be a serious weapon in 2026 and says the level of support gives him real belief heading into the year.

With four days of European testing before the season opener at Phillip Island, there’s no hiding the ambition.

Team Principal Michael Galinski echoed that confidence, highlighting the boost of working with Optical Express and setting clear goals — moving from regular top-ten finishes to consistently fighting further up the order.

Momentum. Confidence. Proper backing.

2026 can’t come soon enough. 🏁