Marc Márquez, on the grid at Le Mans, Saturday.
The renewal of Marc Márquez with Ducati has been one of the most talked-about topics in MotoGP. After months of speculation from fans, pundits, and even former riders like Marco Melandri, the deal is now all but finalized. While official announcements for 2027 contracts have been delayed due to ongoing negotiations between teams and MotoGP SEG, both parties confirm the agreement is close. Ducati and Márquez have informally settled everything, with official announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Márquez’s physical condition had fueled doubts, especially after a shoulder injury in Indonesia 2025 that required a long recovery. However, a visit to his doctor following the Jerez test revealed a screw affecting his radial nerve. Its removal was a breakthrough. Márquez admitted this only after his latest crash in France. Ducati also saw this as a relief, confirming that the situation is not as dire as some had painted.
Marc Márquez, on his Ducati, at Le Mans.
From Tears to Determination
Even a new foot injury hasn’t dampened his optimism. The initial moment was painful. “I’m not one to cry much,” Márquez said after revealing his situation, but it was metaphorical—he did cry, a lot, at the French circuit after his Saturday sprint crash. He broke down in front of Dr. Ángel Charte, head of the World Championship medical services, and Ducati bosses Gigi Dall’Igna and Davide Tardozzi, who comforted him in the truck. It was more out of frustration, as everyone knew they were taking risks by racing with the nerve issue. Despite precautions, it went wrong, leading to a fracture in his right foot’s fifth metatarsal and missing Sunday’s race and Barcelona.
Chasing the Title
But the setback was short-lived. Everyone believes the rider from Cervera will return even hungrier to fight for the title this year. “He will come back stronger than ever,” said Jorge Martín, who still sees him as his main rival for the 2026 crown—a sentiment shared across the grid. The goal is to return at Mugello, but Ducati won’t pressure him, even though the Italian Grand Prix is their most important event of the year, along with Misano. Ducati is celebrating its centenary this season, and Márquez will be their standard-bearer at the Ducati World Week (July 3-5) at the Adriatic track.
Contract Negotiations
These recent events have only reinforced Ducati’s confidence in their plans with Márquez. The #93 signed a two-year contract covering 2027 and 2028, matching Pedro Acosta’s length. Márquez initially proposed a 1+1 deal, but Ducati explained that could disrupt their planning and affect other riders and teams like Fermín Aldeguer and VR46. He agreed. However, the new contract includes exit clauses common to all riders, which Márquez wanted to ensure he could leave if necessary—mainly due to physical concerns, now alleviated by the screw removal. Ducati has assured him they will respect any decision.
Brand Ambassador
The harmony is complete. Ducati wants to keep the Spaniard after he stops racing, whenever that may be—most likely in two and a half years, or later. They plan to offer him an ambassador role, leveraging his commercial and media appeal. They don’t mind that he won six premier-class titles with Honda—they did the same with Casey Stoner, who won one title with HRC and another with them.
Monster and Red Bull
There has been much talk about Red Bull, Márquez’s long-time sponsor, joining the official Ducati team next year. However, Ducati has no immediate intention—their agreement with Monster, Red Bull’s fierce competitor, runs through the end of 2027. Only if Monster decides to leave would Ducati consider bringing in the Austrian energy drink brand.