Marco Bezzecchi
Rumours are suggesting that Alex Marquez will be heading to KTM in 2027, but the Austrians’ original contract offer was too low for the Spaniard.
Marquez’s stock has never been higher in MotoGP after he finished runner-up to his brother Marc Marquez in the championship in 2025. He is riding a factory bike with Gresini in 2026, but his main aim is to be a factory rider.
Alex Marquez looks to be KTM-bound! 😲 Has he made the right choice leaving Gresini?
The 29-year-old says he is happy with the Ducati satellite team, having built a great relationship with the team over the years. However, he wants to be an official factory rider, and with Pedro Acosta joining Ducati in 2027, there is no room for him in Borgo Panigale.
Subsequently, Marquez has reportedly signed with KTM, replacing Acosta, from 2027 onwards. He wants to establish himself within a factory team and reap the financial benefits.
Alex Marquez demanded KTM double their original 2027 offer
Despite riding a Ducati bike and finishing second in the championship last year, Marquez is one of the lowest-paid riders on the current grid.
According to journalist Manuel Pecino, he earns 400,000 euros at Gresini, or roughly £350k. A factory team can certainly offer more financial incentives, but KTM’s original offer was significantly low.
Pecino reports via his YouTube channel that the Austrian outfit offered the Spaniard 500,000 before Marquez asked for double the money with a ‘counteroffer’.
“One thing that’s quite surprising in Spain is Alex Marquez [at] Gresini was earning €400,000, come on,” said Pecino. “A MotoGP runner-up who earns €400,000. Carlo, how can that be possible?
“The idea I have is that I heard he was making 350-400,000 at Gresini. KTM first offered 500,000. He made a counteroffer of 1-2 million. In the end they signed for 1 million.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Alex Marquez from net worth to career stats
Alex Marquez felt undervalued at Ducati
Marquez has visited the KTM factory amid their negotiations for 2027. He is set to be partnered with Maverick Vinales, who is said to be earning a promotion to the factory team from Tech3.
Joining KTM from Ducati seems like a rash decision, especially when the latter have been dominating MotoGP for the past few years. However, Marquez is willing to take a risk after not getting a factory ride from the Bologna Bullets.
Has Alex Marquez already hit his ceiling in MotoGP?
Marquez was never in contention for a Ducati seat, despite winning three races and finishing runner-up in 2025, beating factory rider Pecco Bagnaia. It prompted his decision to turn to KTM.
Marquez felt ‘unloved’ at Ducati and is now looking to pursue a new adventure and make a name for himself as a factory rider at KTM.
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