Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez won’t be making a fairytale return to Honda after reportedly agreeing to stay at Ducati.
Ducati are set to announce Marquez’s extension next month, shortly before the 2026 season gets underway. He made the commitment at the team’s launch in the Dolomites.
The news comes as a blow to Honda, who were hoping to re-sign their legendary rider for MotoGP’s new era. Given that Marquez dominated the 2025 championship on the Ducati, his decision shouldn’t be a surprise.
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Marquez considered joining Honda but, even though his former team have shown promise lately, Ducati ultimately represented a safer bet in his eyes.
Honda could pair Pedro Acosta with David Alonso for 2027 MotoGP season
Speaking on the Paddock Pass podcast earlier this month, journalists David Emmett and Neil Morrison predicted Honda’s 2027 line-up. Emmett has heard that they have made enquiries to several riders and flaunted their ‘big, fat chequebook’.
While he has repeatedly stated that he won’t be motivated by money, Pedro Acosta may feel that Honda can start winning again under the new rules. The Japanese giants could also target Moto2 sensation David Alonso to be his teammate.
Emmett expects Luca Marini to be demoted to LCR at the expense of Johann Zarco, even though the Frenchman has a contract for 2027, while Joan Mir will move on entirely.
Who should Honda sign for the 2027 MotoGP season?
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“I had a few conversations in Valencia last year, and some of the managers were saying that Honda have got a really big, fat chequebook, and they’re waving it around at anyone who will take it,” he said.
“Marini’s great, I don’t think they’ll sack Marini. I think they’ll move him down to take the place of Johann Zarco. Miguel Oliveira had a contract for 2026, and look where that got him.
“I think we’re more likely to see Acosta on a Honda than a Yamaha. Acosta wants to win and he’d be happy to take a big stack of money. Alonso is the future.”
Morrison agreed: “Honda – Acosta and David Alonso. You sign one rider that you think can fight for the championship, and a rider that, one year down the line, is going to do the same.”
Honda also have a plan C if they lose out on Pedro Acosta
Acosta wants to join either Honda or Ducati if he leaves KTM, which seems increasingly likely.
There’s a chance that Luigi Dall’Igna denies Alberto Puig his top two targets by signing Acosta to be Marquez’s teammate.
In that event, Honda could opt for a more frugal approach, promoting 2025 Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira from LCR and retaining Marini.
Predicting their line-up, Paddock Pass host Adam Wheeler said: “Honda will be the Moto2 world champion, Diogo Moreira, as well as Luca Marini for a bit of continuity.”
There are still plenty of possibilities for Honda, then, even after Marquez decided to stay at Ducati. Perhaps they will sign the superstar they clearly desire and then allow their experienced incumbents to battle hot young prospects for the second seat.
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