Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez has posted an emotional comment after Alex Marquez’s exit from Gresini was confirmed on Monday morning.
KTM finally announced the signing of Marquez around five months after the story first broke in the Spanish press. Four of MotoGP’s five factories have now unveiled their 2027 line-ups, with Honda the only exception.
Without being explicit about his future, the younger Marquez brother has made clear that his emotional attachment to Gresini made it difficult to leave. But ultimately, the opportunity to become a factory rider again was too good to turn down.
Marc Marquez says Gresini will always be ‘family’ for him and his brother
Both Marquez brothers have forged a bond with Nadia Padovani’s team in recent years. Marc only raced alongside his brother for one year between his stints with Honda and Ducati, but he ended a three-year victory drought – the longest of his career – in their colours.
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez considered quitting MotoGP altogether after three troubled years with Honda where he languished between 14th and 17th in the standings.
How many 2027 Ducati riders is Alex Marquez BETTER than?
Ducati's 2027 roster features Marquez Sr, Acosta, Aldeguer, Bulega, Mir and Holgado
But shortly after joining Gresini in 2023, Marquez Jr won his first premier-class race at Silverstone (albeit the Sprint). He broke his Grand Prix duck at Jerez last year and is now a four-time winner.
“Alex, it’s truly hard to let you go,” Padovani said of the 2025 runner-up in a statement. “We’ve shared emotions, growth, and moments that I will carry in my heart forever.
“I’m proud of the man and the rider you are. But before we say goodbye, there’s still one more chapter to write together. Let’s do it with the determination that has always set us apart.”
In the comments, his older brother wrote: “Family is always family.”
He has repeatedly expressed that sentiment himself while reflecting on his own brief spell in blue.
Marquez may have hoped to reunite with his brother at Ducati, but Luigi Dall’Igna and co. opted to sign Pedro Acosta instead. That, in turn, opened up a seat for the #73.
He will be joined by Fabio Di Giannantonio, one of his fellow Ducati GP26 riders.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
