Marc Marquez keeps saying the same thing about his MotoGP future and Ducati should be concerned

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Marc Marquez initially spoke as if a contract extension at Ducati was a foregone conclusion. But now his tone has shifted.

Speaking in October, Marquez said there was no reason to ‘change’ given that he’s ‘happy’ at Ducati. He romped to the world championship in his first year on the red factory bike, winning 11 out of 18 Grands Prix before he got injured.

2026 is the final year of MotoGP’s current rules cycle, with a major overhaul looming for 2027. The current 1000cc engines will give way to 850cc motors powered by sustainable fuels, Pirelli will replace Michelin as the tyre supplier, aerodynamics will be simplified and ride-height devices will be banned.

That may be why, in November, Marquez said he was ‘thinking very carefully’ about his future. Not even the mighty Ducati can ‘guarantee that they’ll have the best bike’.

Marc Marquez says he will decide his next MotoGP move on ‘instinct’

Now, in an interview with Sport, Marquez has reiterated that there are no certainties heading into 2027. Ducati have won every constructors’ championship since 2020, and the last four world championships have ridden Desmosedici motorcycles, but MotoGP is pressing the reset button.

Marquez keeps saying that he will decide his future based on ‘instinct’, rather than being guided by Ducati’s past success. That has to be a concern for Luigi Dall’Igna, who will surely be desperate to keep the rider universally regarded as the best on the grid.

The Spaniard, who will turn 33 in January, hinted that he must prioritise immediate success rather than pursuing a long-term project as if he were 25.

“Far off,” Marquez said when asked about how he sees the 2027 MotoGP landscape. “Right now, I’m completely focused on 2026. During the next season, many pieces of the MotoGP puzzle will start to shift.

“2027 will be a difficult market because no one can guarantee you the best bike. When it comes down to it, you’ll have to go by instinct and figure out what’s best for you. That doesn’t mean you have to choose the same thing when you’re 20, 25, or 32. We’ll see.”

Honda are the favourites if Marc Marquez decides to leave Ducati

Marquez’s comments appear to indicate that he will take his time to assess his options as his Ducati contract winds down. That could have significant ramifications for the MotoGP rider market.

It’s likely that every manufacturer will wait for Marquez to make a decision before they lock in their riders. They can’t afford to miss a potential opportunity to sign the seven-time premier-class champion.

Carlo Pernat says Honda will pay Marquez an enormous sum to return, though the rider himself has previously indicated that money isn’t his priority.

Still, should he decide to leave Ducati, then Honda’s stature and emotional ties to Marquez would appear to make them the favourites.