Ducati confirm new Marc Marquez contract as MotoGP champion locks in for 850cc era

Add as preferred source on Google

Ducati have confirmed that Marc Marquez has signed a new two-year contract, tying the seven-time MotoGP champion down in Borgo Panigale for the 850cc regulations.

Marquez had been the subject of tepid speculation over the last few months, as his contract with Ducati was set to expire at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. Honda had also shown an interest in reuniting with the Spaniard in 2027, given the start of the new regulations era.

MotoGP will overhaul its technical regulations next year, including a total ban on ride height devices and broader aerodynamics restrictions. So, it was said that Honda offered Marquez a £17.5m contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons to entice their former hero back to Tokyo.

Injuries have also been on Marquez’s mind over recent months, given the issues that he has had with his shoulder following two operations and a nerve problem. Thus, reports claimed that Marquez was pushing Ducati for a 1+1 year contract for him to be in red through 2028.

How many MotoGP titles will Marc Marquez have to his name by the end of 2028? 👑

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Marc Marquez signs a new two-year contract with Ducati through 2028

Yet it was always believed that Marquez would re-sign with Ducati, but the Bologna Bullets chose not to confirm his new deal until they and their rival constructors had agreed a new collective commercial agreement with MotoGP – which was, finally, announced last Friday.

READ MORE: Marc Marquez’s first MotoGP title with Ducati was defined by five moments

Now, with the news that MotoGP has signed a new collective commercial deal with the five constructors, Ducati have confirmed that Marquez has signed a new contract locking him in through 2028. The team have also stated that the 33-year-old’s new deal is for two seasons.

Marquez says he is “truly happy” with his new contract for Ducati, who have convinced him to re-sign through 2028 with the project they are putting together for the 850cc regulations next year. He has even stressed that the contract is a show of his commitment to the brand.

“I’m red,” Marquez stated. “I’m truly happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family.

“When I decided to join Ducati, I was convinced it was the most competitive project. They believed in me, and we built a relationship based on trust and hard work. With this renewal, they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision.

“In our first year together, we fought for the title and won it: a priceless result that confirms that the path we had chosen was the right one. I continue to compete because I love this sport and I want to achieve even more ambitious goals. I’m convinced this is the right place to do it. As long as I’m here, I’ll give my all to paint the future red.”

Ducati are yet to confirm who Marquez’s teammate will be in 2027, but it is an open secret in the MotoGP paddock that KTM rider Pedro Acosta will replace Francesco Bagnaia in red. It is also likely that Ducati will soon follow up Marquez’s new contract by sharing Acosta’s move.

Reports have claimed since the very start of 2026 that Ducati have signed Acosta to replace Bagnaia from 2027 on a two-year contract. The Spaniard is believed to have lost patience at KTM and has chosen to leave the Austrian squad once his contract expires later this season.