Access Plus Racing debuts Ducati’s 7th-gen Panigale V4 as TJ and Troy Alberto chase the 2026 Philippine Superbike Championship title.
Access Plus Racing returns to the Philippine Superbike Championship, launching Ducati’s 7th-generation Panigale V4 for the 2026 season. Brothers TJ and Troy Alberto lead the campaign, aiming for a sixth consecutive PSBK crown. The updated 228 hp superbike features MotoGP-derived aerodynamics, a double-sided swingarm, and a lighter chassis. Early tests at Batangas and Clark show a promising pace. Despite tougher competition from a refreshed grid, the team remains focused on defending its dominant position, kicking off the six-round championship this weekend.
Access Plus Racing unleashes new Ducati Panigale V4 in hunt for 6th PSBK crown
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Access Plus Racing is set to return to the top flight of the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK), with Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and younger brother Troy Alberto once again leading the team’s campaign in the hunt for the 2026 Superbike Rider of the Year crown.
Fresh off another dominant season, the team now enters a new era with the race debut of Ducati’s heavily updated 7th-generation Panigale V4. The latest superbike represents one of the biggest evolutions in the model’s history, incorporating lessons learned from Ducati’s MotoGP and World Superbike programs.
Among the biggest changes is the switch from a single-sided swingarm to a new double-sided design aimed at improving handling and rear-end feel. The new Panigale V4 is also 3 kg lighter, features a wheelbase stretched by 16 mm, and receives revised aerodynamics. Its styling draws inspiration from both the iconic Ducati 916 and the modern Desmosedici GP race bike. Power comes from the latest version of the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, now producing 228 hp with a redline reaching 13,500 rpm.
Access Plus Racing believes the new machine offers even greater potential than its championship-winning predecessor as the team pushes for a 6th consecutive PSBK title.
The team has already completed initial testing at both the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) and Clark International Speedway (CIS), with early signs proving encouraging. Despite limited mileage, the new Panigale V4 was already lapping close to last season’s race pace straight out of the box. With more testing and development planned throughout the year, both riders believe there is still significant performance left to unlock.
For TJ Alberto, the goal in 2026 is clear: defend his crown and pursue a 6th consecutive PSBK title. Meanwhile, his younger brother Troy Alberto enters the season aiming to build on his breakthrough 2025 campaign and mount his own title challenge after finishing runner-up in last year’s championship.
The upcoming season may also mark the start of a new chapter in the PSBK paddock. Several new riders are expected to join the grid and shake up the competition. Their entries are expected to be confirmed during the opening round weekend, but Access Plus Racing remains focused on its own preparations heading into the new season.
The 2026 calendar returns to a six-round format, beginning with the season opener at BRC this weekend on May 16–17. The championship will then head to Clark International Speedway for back-to-back rounds before returning to BRC for another double-header. The season finale will once again take place at CIS in late November.
With a new bike, a refreshed grid, and another championship battle looming, Access Plus Racing enters 2026 ready to defend its place at the pinnacle of Philippine superbike racing.
TJ Alberto, #77: “I’m looking forward to entering my 6th consecutive season in PSBK. It will definitely be a big challenge stepping away from our tried-and-tested machine and transitioning to the new 7th-generation Panigale V4. I’m excited to explore the improvements that come with this bike. So far, our tests in Batangas and Clark have been very fruitful. The new Panigale already feels highly competitive and has put us close to lap-record pace despite having only a few days of testing under our belt.”
Troy Alberto, #69: “I’m really excited to start the new season. I feel like we ended 2025 on a strong note and built a lot of momentum toward the end of the year, so the goal now is to continue that progress and take another step forward in 2026. It’s definitely going to be an interesting challenge adapting to a completely new bike, but so far the signs have been very positive. We believe the new Panigale V4 has even more potential than last year’s machine, and I’m looking forward to growing with it throughout the season.”
Toti Alberto (Team Principal): “We’re very excited heading into the 2026 season with the new 7th-generation Panigale V4. The bike already looks very promising based on our early tests and gives us confidence for the season ahead. At the same time, we expect the competition to be tougher this year with several new riders expected to join the grid. We’re not underestimating anyone, but we believe we have a strong package to fight for another championship.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Shell Advance, Brembo, Öhlins Racing, Sprint Filter, Macbeth, DID Chains, Aella, Motoworld, Capit Performance, LV8 – Elevate, Extreme Components, and Rudy Project.
For more info and the latest updates about the team, follow www.facebook.com/AccessPlusRacingPH/, www.facebook.com/TjAlberto7/, and www.facebook.com/TroyAlberto9Official.
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