Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez still hasn’t firmly committed to spending another two years at Ducati, according to a report.
It has long been seen as a formality that Marquez will race in red next year, but there has been uncertainty over his plans beyond that. Some have suggested it will only be a one-plus-one contract.
On the other side of the garage, Ducati are letting Francesco Bagnaia go to sign Pedro Acosta, who is poised to become the new face of the brand once Marquez retires.
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Marc Marquez gives himself three more races to assess his condition
Marquez delivered a perfect weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix – pole, Sprint win, Grand Prix win. It was the first time he had stood on the top step of the podium on a Sunday since Misano last September.
That victory has strengthened the ‘assumption’ that he will commit for another two years. It offers encouragement that Marquez will soon return to his best after an injury-disrupted start to the year.
But Speedweek report that Marquez won’t make a ‘final decision’ until the summer break. That gives him three more races – Brno, Assen and his beloved Sachsenring – to assess his condition and determine whether his recent shoulder surgeries will have a significant lasting impact.
Having recently become the first rider ever to reach 100 Grand Prix wins and 100 poles, Marquez wields unique power in the market. Patience is the only option for Ducati.
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Davide Tardozzi believes Marquez will win every race when he hits 100% fitness – something he’s telling colleagues behind the scenes.
Marquez was still suffering with his shoulder at Balaton Park but his endurance should improve as he rebuilds muscle.
If he can maintain his form on more demanding layouts, a straight two-year extension will look much more appealing. Equally, if Hungary was an outlier for this version of Marquez, he might reassess whether he wants to continue in the sport long-term.
Based on the report, it seems as if the two parties have already shaken hands but left some wiggle room on terms.
If Marquez does manage to win the title this year from over 100 points back, it will be his crowning achievement. It would also see him surpass Valentino Rossi as a 10-time champion.
Marquez says he has nothing to prove, but beating Acosta, the most promising rider of the next generation, at the end of his career would be one last fillip to his legacy.
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