Alex Marquez has reportedly secured a deal to race for KTM from the 2027 MotoGP season onward, according to recent reports. As the MotoGP rider market heats up ahead of the 2026 season opener in Thailand, several major teams have been finalizing rider line-ups for the coming years.
This development comes amid a series of notable movements within the rider market, including Honda signing Fabio Quartararo on a two-year contract and Jorge Martin shifting to Yamaha from Aprilia. With Pedro Acosta moving to Ducati, KTM found itself in need of a strong replacement and has now set its sights on Marquez. Motorsport Espana claims that Marquez has effectively finalized a two-year contract with KTM, ensuring his presence with the Austrian manufacturer at least until 2028.
Transitioning from Gresini to KTM with Ambitions for a Factory Ride
In 2025, Alex Marquez enjoyed his most successful MotoGP campaign to date by claiming three race victories and finishing second overall behind his brother, Marc Marquez. Although satisfied with his time at Gresini, Marquez has expressed a desire to compete for a factory team, which offers more competitive machinery and support. While he will have a factory bike in 2026, the presence of both his brother Marc and Pedro Acosta in Ducati’s factory squad means Marquez faces limited opportunities there beyond the current season.
Both Yamaha and KTM were interested in acquiring Marquez’s talents, with Yamaha aiming to bring him alongside Jorge Martin. However, KTM’s offer ultimately prevailed. This signing is viewed as a strategic response by KTM to replace Acosta, and it also marks Marquez’s return to a factory team, having previously left Honda.
KTM’s 2027 Rider Lineup: Marquez to Team Up with Maverick Viñales
With Marquez confirmed, KTM has solidified its rider roster for 2027. Maverick Viñales will be elevated from KTM’s satellite Tech3 team to partner with Marquez, replacing Brad Binder. Viñales, who will receive coaching from Jorge Lorenzo during the 2026 season, has expressed enthusiasm about joining Amitraj and teaming up with Marquez in what will be a new Spanish duo.
Marquez’s shift from Gresini to KTM is a significant decision, motivated by his aspiration to race in a full factory environment—something KTM will provide in 2027. This pairing is seen as a promising combination that could strengthen KTM’s competitiveness in the championship over the next two seasons.
The Broader Impact and What Comes Next
Marquez’s commitment to KTM signals a notable reshuffle among top riders and factory teams in MotoGP’s evolving landscape. As manufacturers prepare for the 2026 campaign in Thailand, these rider agreements position KTM to remain a strong contender. The encounter between veterans like Marquez and Viñales, combined with upcoming talents, could ignite exciting battles on track and impact championship outcomes.
Looking ahead, attention will turn to how Marquez adapts to KTM’s machinery after leaving Honda and Gresini, as well as how this new partnership will influence KTM’s performance dynamics. Fans and analysts will closely watch the 2026 season as these changes lay the groundwork for the future of MotoGP racing.
“Alex Marquez has ‘practically finalised’ his future with KTM from 2027 onwards. He looks set to have signed a two-year deal with the manufacturer, taking him until at least 2028.” – Motorsport Espana
“Vinales is ‘happy’ to be paired with Marquez in an all-new Spanish line-up at KTM. It is an exciting combination as the latter returns to a factory outfit for the first time since leaving Honda.” – Motorsport Espana
