The 2026 season hasn't even started yet, and the MotoGP market has already shifted. Marc Marquez and Ducati have quietly sealed a two-year contract extension, binding the reigning world champion to the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer until the end of 2028.
According to information fromMotorsportThe agreement was finalized yesterday, Monday, in Madonna di Campiglio, during the official presentation of the team. Ducati in the Dolomites. A hushed setting for a decision with far-reaching consequences: Ducati secures its strongman for the 2027 era… before it even begins.
### **“My first choice would be to stay at Ducati”: Márquez stands by his decision**
Marc Marquez He never hid it. Where he feels strong, he stays. And Ducati Check all the boxes.
« If you look at my career, every time I've been on a team where I felt comfortable and performed well, I tried not to leave ", has explained Marquez.
« My first choice would be to stay with Ducati, But we must proceed step by step. Contracts are being signed earlier and earlier. »
Choosing a two-year contract is not insignificant. See you soon. 33 years (He will celebrate them on February 17th), number 93 refuses any idea of early retirement. According to a source close to the matter, he opted for this duration because he maintains an undiminished motivation to continue running and competing at the highest level ».
Result: Marc Marquez will remain a Ducati rider until he is 35
The agreement is expected to be finalized before the start of the season, which opens on March 1st in Thailand. All indications are that Ducati will take advantage of the big MotoGP launch ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, on February 7th and 8th, to make a strong media impact, just after the Sepang tests.
Perfectly calculated timing.
After eleven seasons with Honda, Marc Marquez took a radical turn in 2024 by joining Gresini Racingsatellite team DucatiA risky bet… but a winning one. With GresiniHe achieved three victories, ending two years without success.
Then came the factory team. And that's where things took off. During his first official season with Ducati 11 wins, 15 podiums, 8 pole positions, 15 sprint wins. An almost insolent domination.
However, not everything was perfect. The 2025 season ended abruptly after an accident in Indonesia, when Marquez was hit by Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia). The consequence: four missed Grands Prix, despite already having secured the title. A tough blow, but clearly insufficient to shake the confidence of Ducati.
Now comes the real burning question: who will be alongside Márquez in 2027? With the future of Marquez Locked, Ducati He now has to make an explosive choice: his teammate from 2027 onwards.
Three names are circulating: Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Pedro AcostaAnd one comment sparked the controversy. Massimo rivola, CEO ofAprilia Racinghe blurted out last week: Marc will remain at Ducati. and Pedro has already said that he wants a Ducati at all costsTherefore, this partnership is probably already a done deal. »
A weighty, almost provocative statement. When asked about his future, Pecco Bagnaia displays a facade of serenity. I am at ease regarding my contract extension.I just want to start the season well and focus on that. ", did he declare. " Many drivers are seeing their contracts expire, and it will be important to stay focused on the championship. »
A controlled speech, but the context is cruel: bagnaia is the most decorated driver in the history of Ducati in MotoGP, with his 2022 and 2023 titles… and yet, his seat has never seemed so fragile.
Davide Tardozzi, team director Ducatidid not wish to fuel the controversy. « I will not answer or comment on these questions. This is not the time " he replied.
« More I'm delighted to see that Ducati is being discussed. This means that what we do is being closely monitored. That's good to know. »
By locking Marc Marquez until 2028, even before the first green light in 2026, Ducati sends a clear message to the paddock: the project revolves around MarquezThe rest is negotiable.
The season hasn't even started yet, but the transfer market is already underway, and one thing is certain: the MotoGP of tomorrow is being built today… around number 93.
