Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez is expected to renew his Ducati contract imminently despite a ‘last-ditch’ offer from Honda, according to a report.
Marquez dominated the world championship in his first season on the red bike, which made an extension seem like a formality. The only nagging doubt from a Ducati perspective was the Spaniard’s bond with Honda.
Marquez, of course, won six world championships with the Japanese giants – the most of any rider with a single team in the modern era. When he left at the end of 2023, he didn’t rule out returning before he retired.
Finish the sentence: Marc Marquez’s final MotoGP team will be…
But that won’t happen in 2027 despite Honda’s attempts to bring about a reunion with an eye-watering proposal.
Ducati survive Honda’s ‘monstrous’ offer for Marc Marquez
Gazzetta dello Sport say Marquez’s future ‘does not appear to be in doubt’ despite Honda making a ‘monstrous’, ‘last-ditch’ offer for 2027 and 2028.
Honda’s package was reportedly worth over worth €20m, or £17.4m, but clearly, Marquez still believes that Ducati will be faster following the regulation changes this winter.
Marquez is already expected to net a pay rise at Borgo Panigale, having accepted a reduced salary when he first joined.
Would you have accepted Honda’s offer if you were Marquez?
The only point of contention has been the length of his contract. Gazzetta corroborate rumours that Marquez is asking for a one-plus-one deal, while Ducati would prefer a guaranteed two-year commitment.
It remains to be seen which side has won out, but an announcement is expected soon.
Ducati and Honda have been battling for three riders
Honda have reached an agreement with Fabio Quartararo for 2027 already, though it’s unclear whether Marquez was seen as an alternative or a teammate.
Honda have also pursued Pedro Acosta, but he is universally tipped to partner Marquez at Ducati, replacing Francesco Bagnaia.
But Alberto Puig could prevail at the third time of asking. Ducati risk losing David Alonso to Honda over a salary dispute.
As they showed with their offer for Marquez, Honda have an enormous budget to sign riders, and Alonso is currently asking Ducati for ’10 times more’ than they’re willing to pay.
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