As Marc Marquez dominates MotoGP 2025 and approaches a seventh premier-class title, speculation is emerging about his future. Carlo Pernat, who needs no introduction, wouldn't be surprised to see Marquez leave Ducati for Honda in 2027, marking an emotional return to the place where he forged his legend. Here's the lowdown on these hot rumors and their implications for the transfer market.
With a lead of 182 points over his brother Alex Marquez and 250 on Pecco Bagnaia after his 2nd place in Barcelona, Marc Marquez is on pole position to clinch the 2025 title at the Grand Prix du Japan (September 26-28) or in ThailandCarlo Pernat, in an interview with MOW, underlines the symbolic importance of a coronation in Japan: " if he wins in Japan, he'll be glad he did it at Honda. » Marquez, who won his six MotoGP titles (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) with Honda, could see this moment as a nod to its glorious past.
Feathered goes further, predicting a return of Marquez in Honda in 2027, coinciding with the new rules for 850cc engines. He has a great relationship with everyone there, and it's his home. He went to Ducati to win. But would you bet he won't return to Honda in 2027? ? " he says. For Feathered, this return would be the "natural final chapter" of the career of Marquez, who left Honda end of 2023 after 11 years, 6 titles, 59 victories and 101 podiums (Cycle World). Despite a Honda in crisis at the time, Marquez remains emotionally attached to the Japanese brand.
However, Neil Hodgson, in MotoGP News, tempers: " Marquez would be crazy to return to Honda in 2027. " With Honda who relies on signatures like Romano Albesiano et Kurt Trieb to relaunch its project, the bet remains risky in the face of the current domination of Ducati.
Marquez, under contract with Ducati until 2026 for 11 million euros per year, could shake up the 2027 transfer market. Ducati, anticipating a possible departure, has already targeted fabio quartararo as the "preferred option" to replace him, according to MotoGP News. The contract Quarterly with Yamaha also expires in 2026, and its recent prototype test V4 in Barcelona shows the ambitions of Yamaha More Ducati could seduce the Frenchman with his ultra-competitive machine.
At Honda, Johann zarco is confirmed for 2026 and 2027 at LCR, while Luca marini has been extended to 2026. Joan Mir et Marini, whose contracts expire in 2026, leave places open for 2027. Feathered recalls Diogo Moreira, Moto2 talent as a possible teammate at LCR in 2026, with a potential promotion to the factory team in 2027. Marquez pushes to open immediate space for Moreira at Ducati " notes Crash.net, but Honda seems in pole position to secure the Brazilian. If Marquez returns, a duet with Moreira could be explosive.
2027: the big shake-up and the scenario for Marc Marquez's return to Honda?
The new rules 2027 (850cc engines, ban on trim correction devices, reduced aerodynamics) could redistribute the cards. Marquez he himself is optimistic: " fewer technical devices means more difference for the pilot. » This could benefit Honda, which is investing massively to catch up. However, Ducati remains the reference, and Marquezor a 34 years in 2027, might favor the security of a winning machine over a sentimental bet.
With almost all contracts expiring in 2026, except Zarco's, the 2027 market looks chaotic. Feathered see Marquez as a centerpiece: " He could even hold the keys to the MotoGP rider market for 2027, with rivals having to wait for his decision.. » A return to Honda would be a dramatic turn of events, but Ducati, with Quarterly in the viewfinder and Fermin Aldeguer (another protégé of Marquez) in ambush for the handlebars of bagnaia, will not remain idle.
Pecco Bagnaia, struggling in 2025, risks losing his place if his form does not improve. The 2026 season will be decisive for Bagnaia " warns Cycle News, with Aldeguer ready to seize his chance in 2027. The domination of Marquez in Ducati puts pressure on the Italian, making the hypothesis of a departure of Marquez even more strategic for the team.
This weekend at Misano (September 12-14), Marquez could give himself a match point for the 2025 title if he beats his brother by 10 point. Post-race testing of the September 15st will be crucial for Yamaha (V4) and Honda, who is testing a new machine. A possible return of Marquez will depend on the progress of Honda face Ducati. For now, Feathered concludes: He went to Ducati to win. » But the call of the heart could bring Marquez back to Tokyo in 2027.
Marc Marquez returns to Honda in 2027. would be a Hollywood scenario, but a risky one. With Ducati in a position of strength and Quartararo as plan B, Marquez will have to weigh the pros and cons. Misano will offer a new insight into the forces at play. One thing is certain: the MotoGP has not finished surprising us...
