Seven-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has already agreed terms to extend his contract with the Ducati factory team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, sources familiar with the situation say. The agreement has not been publicly announced yet but is expected to be confirmed ahead of the 2026 season opener.
Marquez’s current contract with Ducati expires at the end of 2026, and talks over his future have been a central topic in MotoGP’s early rider market. While neither Ducati nor Marquez has made an official statement, multiple reports indicate that the extension was quietly settled in recent weeks. The plan is for the news to be revealed publicly before the start of the 2026 campaign, which begins with the Thailand Grand Prix on March 1.
Source: BBC
The Spanish rider’s decision to stick with Ducati follows a remarkable comeback that saw him capture the 2025 world title in his first season with the factory outfit under the new Ducati project. After a period of struggles with previous teams, Marquez has found a strong competitive edge with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, putting him in a position of influence as the sport moves toward major technical changes scheduled for 2027.
Ducati now faces the challenge of finalising its rider lineup around Marquez’s confirmed stay. Several names have been linked with the second factory seat for 2027, including Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia. Acosta has signalled his willingness to accept the terms required to be Marquez’s teammate, while Bagnaia’s future at Ducati remains under discussion.
The early agreement highlights how the MotoGP rider market is accelerating as teams try to secure top talent well before contracts officially expire. With a significant regulation shift approaching in 2027, stability at the top of the grid has become a priority for manufacturers and riders alike.
Fans and industry insiders can likely expect a formal announcement soon, bringing clarity to one of the sport’s biggest off-track stories as the 2026 season gets under way.
