Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati possess the most desirable seats on the MotoGP grid for 2027, even though the technical regulations are changing.
Ahead of the switch to 850cc engines, world champion Marc Marquez says riders will choose teams on ‘instinct’.
But as journalist David Emmett explained on the Paddock Pass podcast, Ducati have already ‘proven that they can win’.
You are Luigi Dall’Igna. Pick your SIX Ducati riders for the 2027 MotoGP season 👇
The last four MotoGP world champions have ridden Desmosedici motorcycles, while Ducati are also unbeaten in the constructors’ since 2019, Marquez’s last title-winning season at Honda.
Marquez is negotiating an extension with Ducati but uncertainty surrounds the second seat after Francesco Bagnaia’s unrecognisable 2025 season.
Ducati don’t need to be ‘swimming in millions’ to sign Fabio Quartararo
Along with fellow journalists Adam Wheeler and Neil Morrison, Emmett predicted the 2027 Ducati line-up on the podcast. He expects them to sign Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha.
Quartararo is considering leaving Yamaha after an apparent loss of faith in the project. He hasn’t won a MotoGP race since the summer of 2022.
While Quartararo earns an eight-figure salary, Emmett expects him to give that up for a potential title shot on Luigi Dall’Igna’s bike.
Is Fabio Quartararo the unluckiest rider in MotoGP?
“Ducati – Marc and Quartararo,” he predicted. “They’re not swimming in millions. The deal is, ‘Do you want to be a champion? You can come and ride our bike.’
“That is the Ducati deal. If you’re looking at what’s going to happen, the only data that you have is a) who’s good on the Pirellis in World Superbikes and b) who has proven that they can win?
“Ducati is a very safe bet. Quartararo has made loads of money. He will give away that money for a chance to win. Acosta would as well, but I think Acosta has the chance to win on a Honda.
Morrison agreed with Emmett, adding: “My Ducati team is Marc and Quartararo.”
Could Fabio Quartararo replace a retiring Marc Marquez?
On the other hand, Wheeler made a wildcard prediction. He believes Marquez will retire at the end of the season, allowing Bagnaia to retain his seat next to new signing Quartararo.
Marquez could become an eight-time MotoGP champion this year, surpassing Valentino Rossi and equalling the all-time record set by Giacomo Agostini. He turns 33 next month.
“I think the factory Ducati team is going to be Bagnaia and Quartararo,” he said. “Marquez retires.”
The MotoGP rider market could kick off as early as next month when riders sample their new bikes in testing, although Marquez may have the power to hold it up.
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