Marco Bezzecchi
Insiders in the MotoGP paddock now think the start of the 2027 regulations cycle will be worse for Marc Marquez after he revealed the issues he is facing at Ducati in 2026.
Marquez opened up on his challenging start to the 2026 MotoGP season after he finished P5 in the United States Grand Prix at COTA last Sunday. It marked the first time since the seven-time champion joined Ducati in 2025 that he failed to reach the rostrum in successive races.
The 33-year-old also only finished fourth in the Brazilian Grand Prix the week before heading to COTA, which is one of his best tracks with a record seven wins. Marquez won the Sprint in Goiania, but he was overtaken by VR46 rival Fabio Di Giannantonio for P3 in the Brazilian GP.
A no-score also sat beside the Spaniard’s name in the Sprint Race in Austin, Texas. Marquez crashed into Di Giannantonio in the COTA Sprint, which even drew a long lap penalty for the United States GP. Marquez fell from P7 to P11 after serving his penalty, but recovered to P5.
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Marc Marquez admitting that he is struggling in 2026 has raised concerns that 2027 will be even worse
Marquez explained after the United States GP that he feels something is missing aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP26 to allow him to deliver stronger results. He does not think Ducati have a major problem, but he wants the Borgo Panigale natives to help him find a solution.
READ MORE: Marc Marquez’s five biggest MotoGP crashes
But Marquez admitting “it’s me, not the bike” after the United States GP, as he cannot push with the GP26 as he wants to as Ducati’s bike is “more aggressive” with new Michelin tyres, has sparked a theory in the MotoGP paddock that next season could be even worse for him.
That is according to MOW, which claims the feeling in the MotoGP paddock leaving COTA on Sunday was that 2027 ‘will be worse’ for Marquez. MotoGP is due to introduce new bikes in 2027 with 850cc engines, ban ride height devices, and switch Michelin tyres for Pirelli tyres.
Add in that Ducati are expected to sign KTM rider Pedro Acosta for 2027, and the belief that Marquez – who is still recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered last October – is only growing. Marquez required surgery on his right shoulder blade and is still not back to 100%.
Is Marc Marquez’s reaction to his FP1 crash at COTA the biggest hint yet that he could retire from MotoGP in 2026?
Marquez suffered his shoulder injury in the 2025 Indonesian Grand Prix, when he was taken out on Lap 1 by Aprilia rival Marco Bezzecchi, which forced him to miss the final four rounds of the year. But Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi noted at COTA that he is still struggling.
Tardozzi told Sky Sports Italy: “If you ask me for a percentage, I cannot say. But I’m sure he’s not in good shape. Unfortunately, what happened in Indonesia is still having consequences. He’s not back to normal yet.”
After Marquez crashed in practice in America with a high-speed off at Turn 10, the Cervera native also admitted: “After a fall like that, I didn’t feel like going back on track.” He seemed rather hesitant to return to the track while collecting his thoughts back in the Ducati garage.
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