Marc Márquez–Ducati: new behind-the-scenes details on contract and salary

The MotoGP World Championship returns to action after a two-week break. The series heads to MotorLand Aragon, where Marc Marquez already boasts seven premier-class victories. In his last two appearances on this track he practically took it all: pole position, Sprint win, and Grand Prix victory. Meanwhile, some rumors are surfacing about his new contract with Ducati and his salary.

Marc Marquez sits fourth in the riders’ standings, 40 points behind provisional leader Jorge Martin. He arrives at one of the circuits that suits him best and is eager to make up the ground lost after a lackluster showing at Silverstone. In Great Britain he endured one of the toughest weekends since joining Ducati colors, finishing seventh in Sunday’s race and ninth in the MotoGP Sprint. Everyone expects a turnaround at the Alcañiz circuit, historically one of his favorites. From here, his championship fightback could resume, as he looks to defend the world title he captured in 2025, in his first season with the Emilia-based manufacturer.

From 2027 the script changes, with MotoGP’s new regulations promising a leveling of on-track performance. Two months ago he officially renewed his contract with Ducati but, as is usually the case in Grand Prix racing, there is maximum secrecy regarding clauses, bonuses, salary figures, and various options. Carlo Pernat, speaking on the MotoGP-Reload podcast, mentioned a salary far from the 15 million he earned with Honda.

The news comes at a time when Marc Marquez’s future is closely tied to his physical condition. The rider is still dealing with the after-effects of injuries, both the terrible one at Jerez 2020 and the one last autumn at Mandalika. According to the Genoese manager, Ducati has included a special clause in his new contract to protect the interests of both parties. He claims the deal signed by the nine-time world champion is a 1+1, with an exit option linked to his physical condition.

It’s an important clause for a rider who has already suffered several serious injuries over the course of his career. At 33, Marquez knows his physical condition is starting to become an obstacle to his performances in MotoGP. Ducati, for its part, already has a plan B, and his name is Pedro Acosta.

As for the financial aspect, Pernat spoke of a base salary of 5 million euros, plus performance-related bonuses, a fairly common formula in the Top Class and particularly important in deals with factory riders. Typically, the team led by Claudio Domenicali guarantees at least one million euros as a bonus for winning the world title. Certainly, in the event of triumph, Marc Marquez would reach an eight-figure salary.

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