Why Marc Marquez must only sign a one-year deal with Ducati ahead of the 2027 MotoGP season

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Marc Marquez could find himself at the centre of the MotoGP rider market for the 2027 season.

When the Ant of Cervera’s Ducati contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, he will certainly be the biggest name available on the MotoGP rider market. There will not be a manufacturer on the grid that would not be flocking to sign the nine-time champion.

Carlo Pernat says Honda would offer a ‘small country’s budget’ to Marquez to bring him back to the Japanese giants. The Spaniard made history with the team in the 2010s, winning six MotoGP titles, but they are no longer the dominant force on the grid.

That title belongs to Ducati, with Marquez equalling Valentino Rossi’s record of seven premier class championships in 2025. The Borgo Panigale outfit will be the favourites to win again in 2026, having won the last four riders’ titles, but 2027 presents a whole different challenge for the team and for Marquez.

Marc Marquez must sign a one-year deal at Ducati and assess his options in 2027

The 2027 season will see wholesale changes to the regulations, with new 850cc bikes and the banning of the ride height device. With such a change, there is no guarantee that Ducati will be the fastest bike on the grid.

Naturally, Marquez will want the best bike under the new regulations. Therefore, it would be most logical to sign only a one-year deal at Ducati for 2027.

Signing a long-term deal would be a huge risk, as staying with Ducati for another two years could see him stuck with a bike that is no longer the quickest. Marquez would not be able to leave early either, as Dorna blocked riders from breaking contracts in 2025.

However, signing a one-year deal would allow Marquez to assess his options in 2027 and see where the field is. If Ducati are in fact still the strongest, he can sign a further extension, without pressure, and while showing loyalty to the team.

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Where does Marc Marquez stand with signing a new Ducati contract?

With multiple riders out of contract in 2026, it would be no surprise to see teams negotiating contracts for the new cycle over the winter.

Rumours have indicated that Ducati have begun negotiations with Marquez ahead of 2027. They will be keen to tie the 32-year-old down to a new deal as soon as possible.

But the team could run into some issues. Marquez wants a pay rise in his new contract following his performances in 2025, which could impact what Ducati does with their second rider.

Francesco Bagnaia is under pressure to keep his seat in 2026, with the likes of Pedro Acosta and Fabio Quartararo being linked to replace him. But Marquez’s salary demands could prevent Ducati from signing another top rider.