Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez will be the biggest piece in the puzzle of the MotoGP rider market in 2026 as his Ducati contract expires.
Big-name riders such as Fabio Quartararo and Pedro Acosta are expected to make seismic moves for the 2027 MotoGP season. Marquez could very well join them, with the nine-time champion being a free agent at the end of 2026.
The Spaniard is coming off the back of winning his seventh MotoGP title with Ducati, winning 11 Grands Prix and 14 Sprint races. The Borgo Panigale outfit will certainly be doing everything they can to retain his services, but they are facing competition.
What should Ducati do to ensure that Marc Marquez signs a new contract?
Comment below!
Honda are duelling with Ducati for Marquez’s signature, with the Japanese giants being interested in bringing the 32-year-old back to the team. The two parties won six titles together between 2013 and 2019.
Marquez left Honda in 2024 for a satellite Ducati at Gresini, as he wanted to prove that he could win again after his injury woes. Now, a reunion could be possible in 2027, with the Spaniard’s future currently being unknown.
Marc Marquez questions why he would leave his ‘comfortable’ environment at Ducati amid Honda links
Marquez has previously described his chances of extending his Ducati contract as an eight out of 10. He would be keen to renew his deal, but any move he makes will be risky, given the 2027 MotoGP regulations.
With bikes moving to 850cc engines, the pecking order could shift dramatically. Ducati will be confident about their chances after the dominance they have shown since 2020, and their star rider seems intent on staying put.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Marc Marquez will ride for…
Speaking recently with AS, the Ant of Cervera admitted that he is ‘comfortable’ at Ducati and questioned why he would make a change from these circumstances. It is the biggest hint he has given about his future, and that he will be staying in Borgo Panigale.
“We’ll see what happens, but it’s true that I’m very happy where I am, and why change something that works and where you’re comfortable?” said Marquez.
“But now it’s time to thank everyone for the support and affection I received in 2025 and wish everyone a happy 2026, with the best possible health, which is truly the most important thing.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
The conditions Honda must meet to re-sign Marc Marquez in 2027
Honda will certainly not give up their pursuit of Marquez for 2027. They will want a proper end to their relationship after the parties parted ways at the end of 2023.
Marquez knows that Ducati’s team is much smaller than Honda’s, given the resources that the Japanese giants have. Carlo Pernat thinks Ducati can ‘never’ compete with Honda financially, and their project could be in a position to win again in 2027.
The Japanese giants are making strong progress in MotoGP, moving up to the C rank of the concessions system in 2026. With Joan Mir and Luca Marini, as well as LCR riders Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, Honda could look even stronger come the new regulations.
Marquez is ‘attracted’ to Honda, but only on the condition that he can win with the team. They have the budget and the resources, but they must turn that into performance to convince the Spaniard to leave Ducati.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
