MARQUEZ’S DUCATI PAY RISE BRINGS MORE OFF-TRACK DUTIES

Marc Marquez will remain with Ducati through 2028 after weighing whether to continue racing, sign a one-year extension or commit for longer. His decision followed a difficult period: despite winning the 2025 title with Ducati, an injury in Indonesia and nerve damage in his right arm raised doubts about his future. He kept the nerve problem from the team and was “terrified” that he might not be able to ride a fast bike or perform at his previous level. Successful surgery has since helped him return to form, and he is currently 12 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin.

The new contract is reported to bring a “considerable improvement” in Marquez’s terms compared with the deal he signed in 2024. Its precise value has not been disclosed. Ducati sources described the renewal as “not at all outrageous” and said it was not comparable to the figures seen in MotoGP several years ago. Even so, retaining the Spaniard will cost the team more from 2027.

The financial uplift is expected to come with a greater workload away from the track. Ducati plans to increase the number of commitments Marquez undertakes for the team, including sponsor-related appearances. That may be unwelcome: Marquez has previously said he does not want to be a “billboard”, preferring to keep his attention on racing rather than off-track obligations.

Marquez’s decision came amid reported interest from Honda, although team boss Albert Puig denied attempting to sign him. Ducati’s 2027 line-up is also set to change: Pedro Acosta will arrive from KTM, while Francesco Bagnaia is due to leave for Aprilia. With his injury experience still fresh and the new agreement potentially his final MotoGP contract, Marquez is expected to approach the next stage of his career with particular care.