Ducati faces the Marquez dilemma: how to keep the king without going broke? Marc Marquez's triumphant return has created a financial monster. After a nightmarish first year with Ducati for his rivals (11 wins, world title), the Catalan rider finds himself in a position of absolute strength to negotiate his future. But the situation has radically changed: Ducati, weakened financially, can no longer afford to write a blank check. Renewing his contract is shaping up to be the most complex negotiation of the modern era.
A year ago, Marquez was making historic sacrifices to join Ducati he left Honda by abandoning more 20 million euros, ran almost for free at Gresinibefore signing an official contract estimated at only 3 million base — a paltry sum for a pilot of his caliber, compensated by astronomical bonuses.
The gamble paid off beyond all expectations. His victories and his title earned him more than 4 million euros in bonusesAbove all, he has restored his status as an undeniable asset, while his teammate bagnaia was sinking into crisis. Today, Ducati They can no longer do without him. Retaining their new star driver is the absolute priority, the paddock acknowledges.
But the economic situation has turned dire for Borgo Panigale. According motorsport. com Exports to the United States and China are struggling, hit by Trump's tariffs. Worse: Audi, Ducati's parent company, saw its sales fall by 11,8% in 2024 and has launched a strict cost-cutting policy until 2026..
The slot machine isn't as full anymore. Whereas eighteen months ago, Marquez He accepted the conditions without batting an eye; today, he can demand a salary commensurate with his regained status — potentially at the level of 12 to 15 million euros that he received from Honda.
The Bagnaia case: the adjustment variable at Ducati?
Negotiation with Marquez will directly impact the other side of the garage. Francis Bagnaia has publicly expressed his desire to pto retire at Ducati "But to achieve this, he must dramatically improve his performance in 2026 and accept a significant reduction in his salary demands."
Ducati will not be able to afford two superstar salaries in a climate of austerity. If Marquez obtains the jackpot, bagnaia He will either have to accept a lower-paid lieutenant role or consider leaving. The balance of the box depends on it.
Gigi Dall'Igna, the strategist of Ducati, he acknowledges: " Every element must be in place. We will meet to manage the situation as best we can.The challenge is threefold: to satisfy Marquez without breaking the bank, managing the future of bagnaia without breaking the team's morale and preserving cohesion while maintaining technical superiority.
Discussions have already taken place before and after the title. The injury of Marquez The end of the season could be a variable in negotiations, but it does not call into question its value.
Ducati finds himself trapped by his own success. Having rendered Marquez The goal was invincibility; having to pay the true price for it now, in a deteriorating economic climate, is the irony of fate. The upcoming negotiations will not only determine a driver's salary, but also the financial and sporting balance of the entire factory for the 2027-2028 era. The contract war has just found its main battleground.
