Marc Marquez could now block Ducati from matching Yamaha’s plan to sign Fabio Quartararo for 2027

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Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha could be at the core of the MotoGP rider market in 2026, but his future may be left on hold until Marc Marquez decides if he will stay at Ducati.

The MotoGP rider market is set to be a hive of activity next year, with most of the grid set to be out of contract. Only Honda and Yamaha currently have any riders locked down for 2027, with Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira at LCR and Pramac’s Toprak Razgatlioglu respectively.

Yamaha ace Quartararo and Ducati ace Marquez are two of the many riders whose contracts are set to expire at the end of 2026. Both brands would like to retain their lead rider, but the former may have to wait for the latter to knock the first domino down and decide his future.

Marquez is widely expected to hold the keys to the rider market after winning the title in his first year with the factory Ducati crew in the 2025 MotoGP season in truly dominant fashion. He bagged the title with 11 Grand Prix and 14 Sprint wins over the 18/22 rounds he entered.

Ducati intend to resume their new contract talks with Marc Marquez for 2027 soon

Ducati are ‘fully’ committed to Marquez leading the team, and retaining him for the start of the 2027 MotoGP regulations era is their ‘top priority’. That is according to Motorsport.com, which also claims that Ducati have already held ‘initial’ talks with Marquez’s representatives.

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

The Bologna Bullets even first sought to explore the Spaniard’s interest in signing new terms months ago. But Ducati and Marquez’s camp paused their preliminary talks over his possible new contract after the 32-year-old sustained a season-ending shoulder injury this October.

Ducati are likely ready to do ‘everything’ in their power to see Marquez agree to sign a new contract. Bosses from Borgo Panigale also plan to restart their talks with the Cervera native’s entourage soon, while he continues to recover following the operation on his right shoulder.

Marquez required surgery on his right shoulder owing to the coracoid fracture and ligament damage that he sustained after being taken out on the first lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix by Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi. The injury meant Marquez missed the last four rounds of 2025.

Marc Marquez’s salary could prevent Ducati from signing Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo

Ducati’s willingness to do whatever it takes to re-sign Marquez may also have consequences on their reported interest in signing Yamaha star Quartararo for 2027. Motorsport.com adds that whatever wage Ducati offer Marquez will direct what they give their No2 rider for 2027.

It has been said that Ducati view Quartararo as one of their top targets for 2027, especially if Marquez were to decide that he does not want to stay with the Bologna Bullets for the 2027 rule changes. Ducati must also decide Francesco Bagnaia’s future, with his contract expiring.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Quartararo from net worth to career stats

But Marquez’s salary dictating Ducati’s offer to their No2 rider for 2027 may stop them from matching Yamaha’s huge offer to Quartararo to extend his contract. Yamaha are believed to have already put a colossal deal on the table to try to get the 26-year-old to stay with them.

But even if Ducati cannot match what Yamaha are willing to pay Quartararo, they could still face competition for the 2021 MotoGP champion’s services. Honda are incredibly interested in Quartararo jumping from their Japanese rivals when the 2027 MotoGP regulations kick in.

Aprilia have initiated contact with Quartararo’s camp to also learn his interest in a potential move to Noale in 2027. Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin are also both set to be out of contract following the 2026 season, and Aprilia arguably finished 2025 with the best bike on the grid.

Yamaha are already planning for Quartararo’s exit, with the Iwata team thought to be eyeing a swoop for Ducati rider Bagnaia in 2027. The Japanese giant are also said to be considering promoting Razgatlioglu from Pramac in 2027, should he stand out in his rookie term in 2026.