Marc Marquez was ‘courting’ one of MotoGP’s biggest talents to join Ducati but he said no

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Marc Marquez has a significant influence in MotoGP, having claimed his seventh premier class title with Ducati in 2025, and he has been using it to impact the rider market.

The Spaniard will be the rider to beat in 2026, having dominated the field this season on the Desmosedici GP25. Marquez has claimed 25 victories thus far, including Sprints, wrapping up the title by Motegi.

Marquez faces a 16-week recovery following his crash at Mandalika with Marco Bezzecchi. With his 2025 season practically over, he can look ahead to next year and his title defence.

2026 will mark the final year of the current regulations and contract cycle, with wholesale changes expected on both counts come 2027. Teams are already preparing contracts for the year after next, and Marquez was trying to make a play of his own on the MotoGP rider market.

Marc Marquez was ‘courting’ Diogo Moreira to join one of the Ducati teams before he signed with Honda

The 2026 grid was officially finalised on Tuesday as LCR Honda finally announced who Johann Zarco’s teammate would be, with Somkiat Chantra heading for World Superbikes.

Brazilian Moto2 star Diogo Moreira has signed a three-year factory contract with Honda. The deal will see him at LCR in 2026, with a possible view to a factory seat in the future.

Honda view him as a serious talent for the future, but they are not the only ones. Marquez has been offering advice to Moreira as he prepares to step up to MotoGP.

The Ant of Cervera is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old, so much so that, according to journalist Carlos Costa, Marquez was ‘courting’ Moreira to join Ducati.

But the Brazilian opted to sign for Honda instead. Costa said via Motorsport Brasil: “And Diogo is very well connected, a friend of Jorge Martin

“Marc Marquez himself was courting Diogo to eventually join one of the Ducati teams. He has a good relationship with Valentino Rossi, he has already raced at Valentino Rossi’s ranch. So Diogo is doing well, let’s put it that way.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

Which Ducati team could Diogo Moreira join if he left Honda?

Given his relationship with Marquez and 2027 being expected to throw up several rider changes, a move to Ducati may be possible for Moreira.

With his connections to key figures such as Rossi, VR46 may be the most sensible choice. However, Gresini would also be a team that would help him develop as a rider, as seen with Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.

A factory Ducati seat may not be possible, as he would be quite far down the pecking order. Aldeguer is being tipped for a factory seat, while Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio are also in the conversation.

Of course, with the new regulations, Honda could become the team to beat in 2027, and it would put Moreira in a great position, as he is in the mix for a factory seat. He may have no choice but to stay put, as Dorna have blocked riders breaking their contracts in the past.