Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati and Marc Marquez want to renew terms beyond 2026, but the circumstances of said deal could leave the Bologna Bullets in crisis.
There is not a MotoGP manufacturer that would not want to sign the Ant of Cervera for 2027, as his contract expires this year. It was even reported that KTM made an offer for Marquez, but amidst those rumours, plus links to a return to Honda, staying at Ducati seems like Plan A.
The Spaniard won his ninth motorcycle Grand Prix title in 2025 with 25 wins across the season, marking an incredible comeback from years of injury woes. In 2026, Marquez wants to quickly secure his next contract, but he cannot seem to see eye-to-eye with Ducati.
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The Borgo Panigale outfit have signed Pedro Acosta from KTM for the next two years, and wish to partner him with Marquez on the same deal. However, the 33-year-old is hesitating.
Marquez wants to sign a one-year deal, potentially a one-plus-one deal with the option of extending for 2028. He has openly admitted that he is doubting whether to continue in MotoGP that long, especially if he cannot be competitive under the new regulations.
Marquez says not fighting for podiums in 2028 would be ‘unbearable’, which explains why he wants to see how 2027 goes and then reassess. But if this happens, and he leaves at the end of said deal, it could be a disaster for Ducati.
Ducati may not attract a top rider to replace Marc Marquez if he only signs for 2027
From Marquez’s perspective, signing a one-year extension is totally understandable. Ultimately, he does not know if Ducati will have the best 850cc bike, or if he can physically compete with the frontrunners after yet more injury setbacks.
Marquez is struggling with his right shoulder from his 2025 crash at Mandalika and has now injured his right forearm in Austin. He will want to try the new regulations, but 2027 could well be his final year in MotoGP, which puts Ducati in an uncomfortable situation.
The MotoGP rider market has moved fast for the 2027 season, with many riders securing their contracts. Almost all top riders, such as Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Quartararo, are already reportedly locked in.
Given how Dorna does not let riders break contracts without seeing them out, as seen with Martin and Acosta in 2025, it will be almost impossible for Ducati to attract any big name in the event Marquez walks away at the end of 2027.
In fact, it could be even worse, as it is plausible to think that Marquez could retire at the end of 2026 due to his physical condition. From Ducati’s perspective, they must do everything they can to tie him down for the next two years and then act quickly in 2028 to secure his replacement for 2029.
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Who are Ducati’s options to succeed Marc Marquez?
With most race-winning riders already tied down to contracts for 2027, Ducati’s only real options to replace Marquez, if he signs a one-year deal, or indeed retires now, lie within their current crop of riders.
This restructuring of their line-up would almost certainly be promoting a rider just for the sake of it, rather than attracting a big name. But of Ducati’s current rider pool, some do stand out.
Will Pedro Acosta reach the same heights in MotoGP as Marc Marquez?
Fabio Di Giannantonio is having a great start to 2026 on the GP26, while Fermin Aldeguer, who is believed to be joining VR46, could earn a move to the factory team. After all, he is being pampered by Ducati as their next star talent in MotoGP.
Of course, partnering with Acosta, his Murcian nemesis, could be a recipe for disaster itself. But given his talent and potential, he could be their best bet to compensate for the monumental blow of losing Marquez.
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