Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati have made the first move in the MotoGP rider market by finally announcing Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta as their line-up for the 2027 campaign, and the former’s new deal may include a clause that refers to a potential return to Honda.
The reigning world champion will remain in Borgo Panigale as part of Ducati’s factory MotoGP efforts until the end of the 2028 campaign, following the brand’s confirmation that Marquez signed a two-year extension to his existing deal on Tuesday.
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The matter of who will be partnering with him in red overalls next year was also confirmed by the Italian constructor. The worst-kept secret in the MotoGP paddock is finally out – Francesco Bagnaia will be leaving, and Pedro Acosta will be replacing him.
Quite the coup for the reigning world champions, who will arguably have the most explosive rider line-up for MotoGP’s brand-new era of regulations next year.
As such, Ducati are reported to have protected their investments for the next two years by inserting a special clause into Marquez’s new deal.
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Marc Marquez’s new contract may include a clause that means he cannot join Honda
Despite the overwhelming sentiment being that Marquez would continue to ride for Ducati into 2027, the Spaniard was still linked with a Honda return to complete somewhat of a fairytale full-circle moment by ending his career at the same constructor he started it.
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Marquez emotionally departed from Honda at the end of 2023, following 11 highly successful years that saw him become a six-time premier class title-winner. However, the final few years were marred by a string of injury woes.
It was recently reported that Marquez held a top-secret meeting with Honda officials at last year’s season finale in Valencia. Team manager Alberto Puig was asked to sound out Marquez’s intentions regarding his future, which is one that ultimately didn’t include Honda.
Now, according to Sky Italia, Ducati have protected themselves from Marquez making a return in the future by tacking on some extra conditions to the clauses that are already in his favour.
For example, Marquez will be free to retire at the end of the 2027 campaign should he decide to call it a day due to ‘physical limitations’ or ‘a lack of motivation’, but the report explicitly notes that he will not be able to seek a return with Honda for the following year in 2028.
- READ MORE: ‘Many believe’ Marc Marquez has made up his mind about returning to Honda after Ducati extension
His new teammate, Acosta, is understood to be on a similar deal in terms of length, but it remains to be seen whether he, too, has any extra terms in his contract that could hinder him in the future.
For now, Acosta’s dream to race with Marquez as his teammate is finally coming true, and there is no doubt that they will be providing explosive entertainment on equal machinery next season.
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