Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati would likely have a free run at extending Marc Marquez’s contract if it were not for his former team, Honda.
Marquez walked away from his Honda contract at the end of 2023 to ride a Ducati, a gamble that worked perfectly. But for a late injury, his title-winning 2025 campaign may have been the most dominant in MotoGP history.
He still won 11 of the 18 Grands Prix he started, the kind of record that would normally make an extension a formality. But Marquez’s emotional attachment to Honda is profound.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Marc Marquez will ride for…
And it wouldn’t just be a sentimental move, either. As a manufacturer, Honda won a race and scored four podiums this year, which was enough to move up a tier in the concessions system.
There’s also talk that Honda’s 2026 bike is ‘phenomenal’, which suggests that their ascent back to the top of MotoGP is accelerating.
Honda are trying to re-sign ‘prodigal son’ Marc Marquez from Ducati
Marquez is expected to net a substantial pay rise if he extends at Ducati. But Motosprint report that he will prioritise a ‘project’ for 2027 and beyond over his salary.
At this point, ‘it’s no secret’ that Honda are trying to bring their ‘prodigal son’ home. There’s a feeling that Alberto Puig’s team, who boast more resources than any of their rivals, may become ‘the benchmark’ under the new regulations.
What is the most iconic rider/team combination in MotoGP history?
The uncertainty about the pecking order has all of MotoGP’s key players ‘on edge’. Marquez says he will choose his next team on instinct, so Ducati’s recent dominance will only count for so much.
The contract cycle is ending at an awkward time for Luigi Dall’Igna’s outfit. Thanks to their historical success, Honda may be seen as the safest bet when MotoGP presses the reset button.
What senior Honda figures are saying about Marc Marquez reunion
Carlo Pernat is adamant that Honda have already spoken to Marquez, at least tentatively, about a 2027 comeback.
Former crew chief Santi Hernandez says Marquez would be ‘welcome’ back at Honda. But he feels it’s ‘wrong to speculate’, particularly after the #93 romped to the title at Ducati.
In October, Puig didn’t rule out a move for Marquez, which he called a ‘beautiful concept’. However, he did say that it was important to take the rider’s age into account.
Marquez will be 34 by the time the 2027 season gets underway. Honda are also interested in Pedro Acosta, who will still be in his early 20s.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
