MotoGP: Marc Marquez and Ducati together through 2028

On the day of the Ducati GP26 presentation in Madonna di Campiglio, the topic of the day is Marc Marquez’s renewal. The MotoGP champion is keeping everyone on edge, but signing the contract is only a matter of time. The Borgo Panigale manufacturer and the Cervera phenomenon have reached an agreement to extend their partnership for another two seasons. Now only the official announcement is missing, which should arrive before the start of the MotoGP World Championship.

By March 1 (Thailand GP) Ducati’s announcement will arrive, or perhaps there will already be white smoke during winter testing. The urgency to finalize the deal reflects a rider market that is moving increasingly quickly. "Contracts are being closed earlier and earlier," Marc Marquez said during the presentation. After eleven seasons in MotoGP with Honda, the Spaniard made the jump to Ducati in 2024, first with Gresini and then with the factory team. In his first year in red he racked up record numbers: eight pole positions, 11 wins, 15 podiums, and 15 Sprint victories.

Marc Marquez is now the cornerstone of the Ducati project, at least until 2028. A contract worthy of his stature will be guaranteed, reportedly over 12 million per season, plus win bonuses and money from sponsors. In Madonna di Campiglio the MotoGP champion summed up his intentions in one sentence. "If you look at my career, when I’ve been in a team where I felt good, where I felt fast, I try not to move... My first option is to stay with Ducati, but we have to take it step by step."

It’s just a matter of details now, then the announcement will come. "My renewal with Ducati is now a ‘9 out of 10’." According to some Spanish sources, the deal has already been done and will be made public after the first MotoGP test in Malaysia. Then it will be time to focus on the next goal. "This year I would like to fight for another title. I think we have the responsibility and the pressure to do it."

The key, according to the rider, is preparation. "We need to try to prepare as best as possible, so that when preparation matches the situation, we’re ready for any problem and we know how to react." Compared to last year, he knows his team and bike perfectly. "We must be ready to fight with Pecco, with Alex, with Bezzecchi, with Aprilia or with KTM."

Regarding his arm and physical condition, Marc Marquez was very detailed. "Two weeks ago I had the typical setback that happens during rehabilitation." However, the overall assessment is positive. "The bone has healed well, even faster than expected." And the key is to stay calm: "This allowed me to take it a bit easier and arrive a bit more prepared for the Malaysian test."