Marc Marquez Extends Ducati Deal Through 2028 MotoGP Seasons

Marc Marquez has officially agreed to extend his contract with Ducati, keeping him with the Italian team for the 2027 and 2028 MotoGP seasons, sources have confirmed. The deal was finalised during Ducati’s recent team presentation at the Madonna di Campiglio resort in Italy’s Dolomites. 

The announcement is expected to be made public before the 2026 season begins on 1 March with the Thai Grand Prix. It will likely coincide with the official MotoGP season launch in Kuala Lumpur on 7–8 February, just after the first pre-season tests in Sepang. 

Speaking at the presentation, Marquez reflected on his career, noting that he prefers to stay with teams where he feels comfortable and competitive, although this decision was not confirmed a month ago. “My first option is always to stay with Ducati,” he said, adding that contracts are now being agreed upon earlier each year. 

Financial details of the new deal have not been released. At 32 years old, Marquez, who will turn 33 on 17 February, opted for a two-year contract, citing his continued motivation to compete at the highest level. With the extension, he will ride for Ducati until he is 35. 

Marquez joined Ducati’s satellite team Gresini Racing in 2024 after 11 seasons with Honda and stepped up to the factory squad last year on a two-year deal. Including the extended contract, he will spend five seasons on Ducati machinery, four of them as a factory rider. 

The Spaniard has quickly made his mark at Ducati. With Gresini, he secured three victories after two winless years. In his first season with the factory team, he dominated, achieving 11 wins, 15 podiums, eight pole positions, and 15 sprint race victories. 

However, the 2025 season ended on a disappointing note after a crash in Indonesia with Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi forced Marquez to miss the last four rounds, despite already securing the championship. 

With Marquez’s future confirmed, Ducati now faces the decision of who will join him as a teammate in 2027. Riders reportedly in contention include Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Pedro Acosta, with Acosta currently seen as slightly ahead in the race for the seat. 

Bagnaia, who remains Ducati’s most successful rider with consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023, said he is staying focused on the upcoming season rather than contract negotiations. “I’m calm about my renewal. My priority is to start the season well and concentrate on the championship,” he said.