Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is set to be at the heart of the MotoGP rider market in 2026, as Honda look ready to fight Ducati for the Spaniard’s signature with his contract due to expire.
The MotoGP rider market is set to explode in 2026, with just three stars currently tied down for 2027. Honda control two of those three riders, as they gave Johann Zarco a new contract to stay with LCR through 2027 and later signed Diogo Moreira for LCR through at least 2027.
Honda also signed Luca Marini to a new contract in September, but the Italian’s new deal is only for 2026. Joan Mir is also due to be out of contract at the end of 2026, so Honda have set their sights on convincing Marquez to return following his departure at the end of 2023.
Marquez accepted that he had to leave Honda in 2023 to prove to himself that he could still compete at the front of the grid by getting on a Ducati at satellite team Gresini in 2024. The switch paid off, as Marquez joined the factory Ducati team in 2025 and won the riders’ title.
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Carlo Pernat feels Ducati will ‘never’ have Honda’s financial power to persuade Marc Marquez
Marquez only joined Ducati on a two-year contract, though, so the Borgo Panigale squad are now striving to convince the 32-year-old to agree to new terms and lead them into the 2027 MotoGP regulations cycle. But Carlo Pernat feels Honda could be a “big problem” for Ducati.
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Pernat thinks Ducati will “never” be able to rival the financial power that Honda have as the world’s largest motorcycle company. So, if Honda can show Marquez that they have turned the RC213V into a competitive bike in his absence, they might tempt him to return in 2027.
“The Marquez-Ducati issue is definitely a big one, because Ducati definitely want to keep him,” Pernat has told MOW. “But they’ll never have the financial strength of Honda. If the RC213V turns out to be a good bike, it could be a big problem.”
It is said that the idea of a return to Honda appeals to Marquez, but he will only leave Ducati if he feels another brand is able to offer a more promising bike for the 2027 regulations. The 32-year-old will prioritise having the chance to fight for the 2027 riders’ title above anything.
Carlo Pernat expects the MotoGP rider market to be resolved within four or five rounds
Pernat also feels the situation on the other side of the Ducati garage is “open”, as Francesco Bagnaia is due to be out of contract at the end of 2026. But the renowned rider agent does not expect Ducati will wait too long before they lock down their line-up for the 2027 season.
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“The discussion about Pecco is also open,” Pernat continued. “But I think everything for the following year will be finalised within the first four or five Grands Prix.”
Recent reports have suggested that Ducati have already decided to part ways with Bagnaia at the end of his contract in 2026. But the door remains ajar for the Italian to stay in Borgo Panigale into 2027. Yet it is said that Bagnaia could have to take a pay cut to stay at Ducati.
Ducati’s top priority is to agree a new contract with Marquez for 2027, given the now-seven-time premier class champion dominated Bagnaia after joining them in 2026. Marquez took 11 Grand Prix and 14 Sprint wins in his 18 rounds, while Bagnaia won two of each in 22 rounds.
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