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‘Many believe’ Marc Marquez can leave Ducati just one year into his new MotoGP contract

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It is widely believed that Marc Marquez has signed his new contract for 2027 and beyond, and many think that he could leave Ducati at the end of next year.

With almost everyone out of contract at the end of 2026, the MotoGP rider market moved fast as riders looked to secure new deals. Marquez was at the centre of it, given that he is the defending champion and the best talent on the grid.

Ducati’s main priority was to retain the Spaniard, and according to various reports, he has agreed to stay with the team. However, the circumstances of the contract are disputed, as the two parties want different agreements.

Have Ducati been too reliant on Marc Marquez to develop their bike?

Ducati rider Marc Marquez on track during the 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With Pedro Acosta joining Marquez at Ducati in 2027 on a two-year deal, the Borgo Panigale outfit want the Ant of Cervera to sign the same contract. MotoGP enters a new regulation cycle next year, with 850cc bikes and no ride height devices.

However, Marquez wants to only extend for 2027 and have the option to race in 2028. His injury setback in 2025 has hampered him thus far in 2026 and has left him in doubt about his future.

Spanish rider Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team is seen before the start of the sprint race during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, United States, on March 28, 2026.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

‘Many believe’ that Marc Marquez has signed a 1+1 deal with Ducati

Marquez has maintained that he will retire from MotoGP when he can no longer fight for wins and podiums. So far in 2026, he is without a Grand Prix podium, with the Ducati not being as superior to the Aprilia, and his injuries are not helping either.

Marquez wants to avoid an ‘unbearable’ situation where he is not competitive come 2028. It explains why he wants a one-year extension with the option of another year, and many believe that is what has been agreed.

Should Marc Marquez sign for two years or a 1+1 year contract for 2027?

Spanish rider Marc Marquez of Ducati Lenovo Team is seen before the start of the sprint race during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, United States, on March 28, 2026.
Photo by Hasan Bratic/Anadolu via Getty Images

A report from GPOne states that ‘many believe’ that Ducati have given in and have agreed a 1+1 deal with Marquez for 2027. He will be committed to the team alongside Acosta next year, before making a final decision on his future in 2028.

Ricard Jove thinks Marquez would be ‘smart’ to sign a 1+1 year contract if he is having doubts about his physical condition. He will be free to assess his future after testing the new regulations and his fitness in 2027.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend

Ducati rider Marc Marquez looks on from the garage during warm-up at the 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Many think Marc Marquez could make a return to Honda

Marquez has been quite secretive about his 2027 contract. Many think the deal, among others, has been signed, but is pending confirmation as MotoGP teams negotiate the next Concorde Agreement.

But the silence has led to speculation around the Spaniard’s future and whether he has actually signed with Ducati. Many still think Marquez could join Honda in 2027, having been heavily linked with his former team throughout 2026.

Honda have signed Fabio Quartararo from Yamaha and are believed to have recently signed Moto2 star David Alonso. There may be no room for Marquez, but they would surely not hesitate to move riders around if it meant they could bring back their golden talent.