Marc Marquez just had a perfect weekend in Hungary. Pole position. Sprint victory. Grand Prix victory. 100th career win. And yet, the Ducati rider still hasn't firmly committed to two more seasons. Strange? Not really. Because behind this caution lies a much more serious question than a simple contract: will his body hold up for another two years at the highest level?
According to speedweek, Marquez He will not make a final decision before the summer break. He therefore has three races left to assess his true physical condition: Brno, Assen and the SachsenringThree very different encounters. Three full-scale tests. And perhaps three answers to the same question: the victory of Balaton Park Was it a sign of a real comeback… or an exception on a circuit that suited her perfectly?
In Hungary, Marquez He dominated. But he also suffered. His right shoulder remains fragile. His stamina hasn't yet returned to its best level. And even if his foot now seems less of a concern, the main problem remains muscular and nervous.
Ducati knows this. Davide Tardozzi has already acknowledged this: Marquez won without yet being at 100%. That's precisely what makes the situation fascinating. If Marquez He's already winning despite being weakened, but what will he do once he's fully recovered? And the other question is just as important: will he really return to 100%?
On paper, it's Ducati would obviously like to lock Marc Marquez Immediately. A driver capable of winning, selling, attracting attention, and influencing the entire market doesn't keep people waiting for fun. But Marc Marquez He is not a pilot like the others.
Pedro Acosta arrives, Marc Marquez reflects on the biggest challenge of his career
With 100 Grand Prix wins and 100 pole positions, he wields immense political influence. Ducati can become impatient. But Ducati must wait.
The most likely scenario remains that of an agreement already well underway. Both parties have reportedly agreed in principle, while leaving some room for maneuver regarding the duration and certain clauses. One year plus one year? Two fixed years? Contract with an exit option? Everything will likely depend on what Marquez will feel it during the next three races.
The situation is all the more strategic because Ducati is already preparing for what comes next. Pedro Acosta is expected in the official box in 2027. It represents the future. The future face of the brand. But for now, the present still belongs to Marquez.
And the Hungarian duel between the two Spaniards served as a reminder of one thing: the former champion has no intention of relinquishing his title too quickly. Acosta at this stage of his career would even be a perfect final chapter in building his legacy.
Si Marquez If he were to win the 2026 title after trailing by more than 100 points, it would perhaps be his greatest achievement. A tenth world title. An impossible comeback. And an even greater place in history.
But before thinking about eternity, Marc Marquez He thinks first of his shoulder. Perhaps that's the whole difference with the Marc of before. He now knows that his body can say no. So, even after a perfect weekend, even after a historic victory, even with Ducati who is waiting for him, Marc Marquez takes its time.
Because at 33 yearsIt is no longer just its speed that will determine its future. It is its ability to last.
