Marco Bezzecchi
Alex Marquez is starting what is expected to be his final season at Gresini. He has reportedly agreed a deal with the KTM factory squad for 2027.
It has now emerged that a perceived lack of appreciation from the Ducati hierarchy contributed heavily to his decision. Marquez surprised the paddock last season by finishing runner-up in the championship behind his brother Marc.
With Pedro Acosta joining the Ducati factory team, Pit Beirer’s squad were in the market for another star rider. On the other side of the garage, Maverick Vinales is set for a promotion from Tech3.
Alex Marquez looks to be KTM-bound! 😲 Has he made the right choice leaving Gresini?
Marquez won three Grands Prix in 2025 – his first Sunday victories in the premier class – and also bagged three gold medals in the Sprints. His supremely consistent form earned him 26 podiums from 44 starts.
‘Undervalued’ Alex Marquez chose KTM over Gresini extension
According to El Periodico, the younger Marquez brother felt ‘neglected, unloved and undervalued’ by the Ducati management at Borgo Panigale.
Ducati gave Marquez a factory-spec GP26 for this year, changing their initial plan to upgrade Fermin Aldeguer’s equipment.
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But Marquez was never seriously considered for a factory ride despite his stellar form last year. That’s why he was receptive to KTM’s approach.
The ‘entire paddock’ regard Alex as one of only two serious threats to Marc’s crown this year, alongside Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi. 2025 isn’t expected to be an anomaly.
‘I’m 30 years old’ – Alex Marquez on the need to take a ‘risk’
Speaking in the pre-Thailand press conference on Thursday, Marquez once again made out that he was still deliberating his future. Privately, the belief is that he has already made his choice.
While there is a ‘sentimental attachment to Gresini‘, who have helped him to transform his reputation since he left the Honda set-up in 2022, he feels it’s the right time in his career to take a ‘risk’.
“So, if there’s ever a time to take a risk, it’s now, but there’s also a sentimental attachment to Gresini that I find difficult,” he said, via AS.
“I have to think rationally about my future, and we’ll see, but as I said, I’m 30 years old; if I don’t do it now, I won’t. We have to weigh everything up and see which way it tips.”
It emerged this week that Ducati have extended Aldeguer’s contract until the end of 2028, and he is likely to remain at Gresini.
With links to Moto2 star David Alonso cooling, Gresini could re-sign Fabio Di Giannantonio, already riding a Ducati at VR46, to fill the other seat.
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