Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez will face a whole new challenge in 2027 as he is set to partner with the young Pedro Acosta, and Mick Doohan says ‘every year is a burden’ for the Ant of Cervera as his career goes on.
No official announcement has been made regarding rider signings for the 2027 season, with teams still negotiating over the new Concorde Agreement. However, it is widely understood that Marquez has extended his contract with Ducati, and Acosta will pair up with him.
The Shark has made no secret of his desire to ride a Ducati, having tried to break his KTM contract last year to join VR46. But in 2027, while Valentino Rossi’s team remained interested in signing him, he will jump to the factory team alongside Marquez.
Is Pedro Acosta going to beat Marc Marquez at Ducati next year?
Acosta says it is a ‘dream come true’ to be Marquez’s teammate at the Bologna Bullets. To pair with a nine-time Grand Prix champion is certainly exciting, and for him, a source of motivation as he longs to win the MotoGP title.
While Marquez, when fit, has crushed all of his teammates in MotoGP, Acosta will offer an entirely new challenge as a young and talented rider. For Doohan, it is not something that will worry the 33-year-old, but each year is a ‘burden’ the longer his career goes on.
Mick Doohan says ‘every year is a burden’ for Marc Marquez
The Ducati rider is fully aware of the threat that the KTM star poses to him now and next year on equal machinery. Marquez says Acosta is the ‘benchmark’ for young riders, showing that the pair have respect for one another.
But the battle at Ducati between the Spaniards is being tipped to be a blockbuster, with Doohan saying that it will be ‘difficult’ for both of them. But while Acosta gains in confidence and experience every year, the MotoGP legend says it is more of a burden for Marquez.
He told Autosprint: “For Marquez, it’s a new challenge. Battling against youngsters like Acosta is difficult, because riders like that have undeniable talent and gain experience and confidence every year, while still remaining young.
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“Meanwhile, for Marc, who is 33, every year is a burden. But it won’t be easy for Acosta either, who will have to join Marquez’s team.”
Doohan maintains that Marquez will not be concerned by Acosta at Ducati. Asked this very question, he replied: “No, Marquez doesn’t worry about who’ll be his teammate: great drivers don’t do that, they just think about winning.
“Like Max Verstappen, who never cared who his teammate was. Anyone aiming for the title wants to beat everyone, not just their teammate.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Just how fierce will Pedro Acosta’s battle with Marc Marquez be at Ducati?
Ducati will unquestionably have one of, if not the strongest, MotoGP rider pairings in 2027 with Marquez and Acosta. It is the right balance of experience and youth, and two riders who are determined to win.
Giacomo Agostini says ‘Spain will be on fire’ when Acosta joins Ducati, as the Shark will be keen to stamp his authority and beat his teammate on the same bike.
The 21-year-old is still without a win in the premier class, but with a Ducati behind him, it could be just what he needs to dethrone Marquez and clinch a championship.
Some people are even saying that the KTM rider’s arrival could be what ends the Ant of Cervera’s career. Alex Barros thinks Marquez will question whether to continue in MotoGP if Acosta starts beating him at Ducati.
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