Marc Marquez, who reclaimed the top spot in the MotoGP World Championship during his first season with Ducati, expressed confidence that the Bologna manufacturer will deliver the “fastest bike” again in the 2026 season, the final year under the 1000cc regulations. However, Marquez acknowledged that his future remains uncertain as the sport gears up for a change to 850cc engines and Pirelli tires in 2027.
Now 32 years old and the second oldest rider on the grid after Johann Zarco, Marquez is on track to potentially capture his 10th world title next year, which would surpass Valentino Rossi’s record and tie Giacomo Agostini’s. Despite his impressive performance with Ducati, Marquez has kept open the possibility of returning to Honda, the team he spent most of his MotoGP career with.
At Ducati’s year-end Campioni in Festa event, when asked about a possible Honda comeback in 2027, Marquez said the focus for next year is clearly on having the fastest bike, which is crucial. However, everything beyond 2026 is uncertain and open for discussion. He added that he is happy, fast, and winning now and has been trying not to make any sudden moves. His priority is to continue performing at a high level, which he believes he can do with Ducati, while also carefully considering what is best for his future.
When asked to rate his desire to stay with Ducati from 0 to 10, Marquez gave it an eight, emphasizing the shared goal of winning, which is vital for the upcoming seasons of 2027 and 2028. This indicates he might sign a standard two-year contract, following his previous moves from a four-year deal with HRC to a one-year contract with Gresini, and eventually his current two-year Ducati contract.
Ducati’s CEO Claudio Domenicali mentioned that contract talks for 2027 will likely begin around February or March. He affirmed that Marquez is working well with the team, but decisions are still to be made, including those involving teammate Pekko. Ducati has secured the MotoGP riders’ title four years in a row, with wins from Francesco Bagnaia (twice), Jorge Martin, and Marc Marquez.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for racing fans because Marquez’s future decisions will significantly influence the competitive landscape of MotoGP during a major regulatory shift. His performance and team choice could shape the rivalry and technological advancements, adding thrilling layers to the sport’s evolving story.
