Marc Marquez and Ducati are open to extending their partnership beyond 2026, but the terms under discussion could end up putting the team in a difficult spot.
Marquez’s current deal runs out this year, and there isn’t a single team in MotoGP that wouldn’t be interested in signing him for 2027. Even though there have been links with KTM and a possible return to Honda, staying with Ducati looks like his first choice.
The Spaniard, who claimed his ninth title in 2025 with 25 race wins that season, is looking to sort out his next move early. But he and Ducati are struggling to find common ground.
Acosta will be on a two-year contract, but Marquez is hesitant about matching those terms. At 33, he’s already talked about doubts over how much longer he wants to stay in MotoGP, especially if the new regulations make it hard for him to stay competitive.
Marquez has said he’d struggle with not being competitive by then and wants the flexibility to reassess after one season before deciding whether to carry on. If he does leave at the end of that deal, it could leave Ducati scrambling without much time to react.
Why Ducati’s post-Marquez plans could be hit hard if he only commits to 2027
Ducati could find themselves in a tricky spot with Marc Marquez, especially if he’s only willing to sign for one more season.
From his point of view, it’s a reasonable position. There are still questions about whether Ducati will have the best 850cc package by then, and Marquez has had his share of injury setbacks over the past few years.
Marquez is still dealing with the right shoulder injury he picked up in Mandalika back in 2025, and now there’s also an issue with his right forearm after Austin. Given all that, it makes sense for him to want a shorter deal. But that leaves Ducati without much clarity beyond 2027.
The market has already moved quickly ahead of the new regulations coming in next year. Most top riders – Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Quartararo – are believed to be under contract until at least the end of 2028.
If Marquez walks away after just one season, or even earlier if his physical issues worsen, there won’t be many big names left on the market for Ducati to turn to immediately.
If that happens, they’ll need a solid plan in place well before then if they want to stay competitive at the front of the grid. Ducati don’t want another repeat of last season where rider injuries played a big role in how things played out over winter testing.
Ducati’s replacement options if Marc Marquez leaves
With most proven winners already locked into contracts for 2027, Ducati’s best options to replace Marquez—whether he leaves after one year or steps away sooner—are likely to come from within their own stable.
But the candidates in Ducati’s current lineup do offer a few intriguing possibilities.
Fabio Di Giannantonio has made an impressive start to 2026 on the GP26, and Fermin Aldeguer—who is expected to join VR46—could also make a case for promotion. Ducati have been grooming him as a future star, so it wouldn’t be a surprising move.
Aldeguer linking up with Acosta would add another layer of intrigue given their shared history, but his upside might make him worth the gamble as Ducati look for ways to fill the void left by Marquez.
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