Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta are expected to become teammates at Ducati in 2027, and Neil Hodgson has explained how the move could lead to the former’s departure.
Reports suggest that Marquez has not stood in Ducati’s way as they have pursued Acosta, widely regarded as the most exciting young talent on the grid. An announcement is expected imminently.
Meanwhile, Marquez remains in negotiations with the Borgo Panigale management over his own contract extension. That could also be confirmed before the season starts.
Would this line-up create too much conflict at Ducati?
The combination of Marquez and Acosta would be one of the most exciting in MotoGP history. Arguably the best possible line-up on the grid, it also brings the risk of tension.
Marc Marquez will be wary of ‘amazing’ Pedro Acosta, Neil Hodgson says
Speaking on the ‘Gas it Out‘ podcast, Hodgson said Ducati are pairing a ‘guaranteed championship winner’ with a generational prospect.
However, there are rumours that Marquez is seeking a one-plus-one deal from Ducati rather than a straight two-year extension. Hodgson suspects that Acosta’s imminent arrival is a factor.
If the youngster is ‘absolutely amazing’, or Ducati are upstaged by Honda, Marquez may want a way out of the contract after 12 months.
Honda are signing Fabio Quartararo but one suspects they would find a way to accommodate Marquez if he expressed a wish to return.
Will Pedro Acosta become Marc Marquez’s toughest teammate?
“I think it will [annoy Marquez],” Hodgson said. “If you’re Ducati, it’s incredible. Imagine, you’ve got Marc Marquez, a guaranteed championship winner, and then you’ve got… 21 years old, he’s nowhere near reached his prime.
“He’s so talented, he gets the most out of whatever bike he’s ever ridden.
“There is a delay on the announcement, isn’t there? I think – it’s a rumour – that Marc is looking for a one-plus-one. I get that, even more so if Pedro’s your teammate.
“You’re going into 2027, and if the bike’s not quite right, and Pedro’s absolutely amazing, and the Honda’s bike to be on, why wouldn’t you try and get a one-plus-one?”
Sylvain Guintoli warns that Pedro Acosta ‘obliterates his teammates’
Hodgson’s colleague Sylvain Guintoli also gave his take on the heavily rumoured move, suggesting that it would only give Marquez more ‘motivation’.
“Like every very special talent, he normally absolutely obliterates his teammates,” Guintoli said of Acosta. “It’s going to be a great dynamic in the team.
“Marc will see it as a motivation. He’ll turn that into a challenge.”
Acosta has been called the new Marquez, so there would be an incentive for the #93 to prove that he is still the top rider on the grid. He will turn 34 before the start of next season.
It’s believed that Francesco Bagnaia is choosing between Yamaha and Aprilia, with Acosta on the verge of taking his ride. The vacant seat at KTM could go to Alex Marquez, Marc’s brother.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
