Marco Bezzecchi
Alex Marquez has passionately defended KTM as he prepares to leave Gresini to join the Austrian manufacturer. It’s thought that Marquez’s move will be confirmed once the sport’s new commercial deal is in place.
The Spaniard finished runner-up in the 2025 championship on the satellite Ducati, taking the first three wins of his career. Marquez formed a strong bond with Gresini but the opportunity to ride for a factory team takes precedence.
Indeed it emerged this week that Marquez will earn €1m at KTM, or £870k. That more than doubles his reported Gresini salary of €400k (just under £350k).
Alex Marquez looks to be KTM-bound! 😲 Has he made the right choice leaving Gresini?
Alex Marquez says KTM financial issues ‘really hurt their image’
Speaking to AS at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Marquez said KTM had been ‘undervalued’ after their financial crisis at the start of 2025. The company entered self-administration last year, raising doubts over their immediate and long-term future in MotoGP.
Bajaj Auto took control of KTM and stability appears to have been restored. Pit Beirer’s squad remained competitive on track last year despite the upheaval.
Pedro Acosta finished fourth in the standings, matching the best result for a KTM rider in the premier class. The third-year rider leads the championship ahead of this weekend’s race after winning the Thailand Sprint and finishing second in the Grand Prix.
Marquez said: “In the end, everyone lost faith in KTM or disrespected them a lot last year when they had their financial problems, but in 2023 all the riders were at the front and it was the second-best bike by far, after the Ducati.
“I think last year’s setback has really hurt their image and people have undervalued them a lot, but I think they have great potential, and Binder was also in Thailand, given how he was doing last year, and he was very good. So I think it’s a competitive bike and I think it will be there all year.”
Maverick Vinales could partner Marquez at KTM next year provided the Tech3 rider outshines the incumbent Brad Binder, which is the internal expectation.
Fermin Aldeguer is also leaving Gresini at the end of the season
Gresini will have to find two new riders for 2027. It emerged on Friday that Fermin Aldeguer is moving to VR46, effectively a promotion within the Ducati roster.
Gresini have been priced out of a Ducati extension for the moment, though they still hope to strike a deal once their budget is confirmed.
Aldeguer has been promised a similar upgrade schedule to the factory riders next year, a luxury he has not enjoyed at Gresini.
In better news, Nadia Padovani’s squad are back at full strength in Brazil as Aldeguer returns from his broken femur. Ducati test rider Michele Pirro deputised for the youngster in Thailand.
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