Marco Bezzecchi
Gresini’s Alex Marquez says it will be “important” to be a factory rider in 2027 due to the “many aspects” it changes ahead of a new regulatory cycle, amid links with KTM.
MotoGP will introduce a major overhaul of the rulebook in 2027, which has also seen many teams turn their attentions to the market as most of the grid are out of contract. Only three riders started 2026 knowing that they have a contract in place for the start of the 850cc era.
Marquez falls into the category of riders who are without a contract beyond this year, as his deal directly for Gresini lapses once the 2026 season concludes. And it is believed that KTM have looked favourably on the Spaniard as they bid to refresh their factory line-up for 2027.
With Pedro Acosta expected to join Ducati in 2027 and Brad Binder struggling for form, it is said that Marquez is set to join KTM next year and that he even visited their factory during the winter break. KTM could have two seats to fill as Acosta and Binder are out of contract.
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KTM target Alex Marquez says the 2027 MotoGP regulations make being a factory rider ‘important’
It is reported that Marquez explored a switch to KTM as he felt undervalued by Ducati, who overlooked him in favour of Acosta when searching for a rider to replace Francesco Bagnaia in 2027. A move to KTM would also see Marquez become a works rider for the second time.
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Gresini ace Marquez believes it will be “important” to be a factory rider in 2027, as MotoGP is introducing 850cc engines, greater restrictions on aerodynamics and a ban on ride-height devices. Marquez also notes that feeling “valued” will play a key role in who he will ride for.
Marquez told Mundo Deportivo: “Whether you’re an official rider or not, ultimately, it’s about feeling valued wherever you go.
“It’s true that next year, with all the regulation changes, it’s more important to be in a factory team to have the official bike and be the first to receive all the upcoming upgrades.
“But beyond that, it’s important, yes, all riders like to wear factory gear, and it changes many aspects that I won’t go into detail about. It’s true that everyone dreams of being in a factory team, but we’ll see what happens.
“The market is very quiet right now. The teams are also negotiating with the MSMA and the championship, which is why things are so calm in the championship.”
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Marquez has only previously been a factory rider in 2020, when he debuted with the factory Honda team. But his time in the HRC garage only lasted one year, as Honda then moved him to their satellite team LCR in 2021. The 29-year-old later left LCR and joined Gresini in 2023.
KTM could now give Marquez his first real taste of being a full factory rider in 2027, with the Austrian outfit believed to be prepared to make him a key part of their set-up. It is even said that KTM could sign a rookie like Senna Agius to join Marquez in their works line-up in 2027.
It was previously thought, even before their links with Marquez emerged, that KTM planned to move Maverick Vinales up from Tech3 into their works line-up in 2027. But KTM have put Vinales’ factory promotion on hold while he continues to recover from his shoulder injury.
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