Marc Marquez is delaying finalizing his 2027 contract with Ducati as Honda remains a significant influence during negotiations. The Spaniard, whose current contract with Ducati expires after the 2026 MotoGP season, is expected to extend his stay following his dominant 2025 title win, yet no agreement has been signed.
At 33 years old, Marquez claimed the 2025 MotoGP championship with five rounds remaining in his first season at Ducati. The rider achieved 11 Grand Prix victories and triumphed in 14 Sprint Races out of the 18 events he participated in last year. Despite being Ducati’s clear priority, Marquez is reportedly holding out to include an exit clause in his new deal, complicating the contract process.
Marquez Seeks a Flexible Contract to Keep Honda Reunion Possible
Though a contract extension with Ducati appears imminent, Marquez is pushing for a 1+1 year arrangement rather than the standard two-year deal Ducati prefers. This approach would allow him to commit initially for 2027 with the option to extend into 2028, keeping alive his long-standing hope of returning to Honda.
Ducati executives favor a straightforward two-year contract to secure Marquez through the start of the 2027 season and beyond, especially as the sport faces new regulations. However, Marquez’s hesitation stems from Honda’s rapid technical progress and his personal ambition to eventually rejoin the Japanese manufacturer.
After leaving Honda at the end of 2023, Marquez moved to Gresini and then Ducati, aiming to prove his competitiveness on a Ducati machine. Now, as Honda makes strides in performance, Marquez’s decision is complicated, leading him to negotiate contract terms that provide flexibility.
Honda Pursues Marquez with Lucrative Offer for 2027
Honda continues efforts to lure Marquez back for the 2027 MotoGP season, reportedly offering a contract worth over €20 million annually. Despite this substantial proposal, Marquez is leaning toward remaining with Ducati, confident in their ability to perform well under the forthcoming 850cc engine regulations.
Honda’s interest intensifies as they look to rebuild their rider lineup. With Fabio Quartararo, currently at Yamaha, expected to join Honda in 2027, openings may appear favorable. Additionally, Honda riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir are set to become free agents at the close of 2026, potentially freeing spots in the manufacturer’s team.
Potential Rider Movements Shape MotoGP’s Future Landscape
As Ducati and Honda jockey for Marquez’s commitment, questions arise about where other key riders may land. The competition between Aprilia and Yamaha offers intriguing choices for Francesco Bagnaia, with Yamaha’s financial incentives contrasting with Aprilia’s bike performance.
Marquez’s insistence on a 1+1 year contract creates speculation about his plans beyond 2027. If Ducati agrees, he could keep the option open to return to Honda in 2028, possibly marking his final MotoGP season. How this will shape team strategies and rider positioning in coming seasons remains a critical topic for the sport.
A fast crash at Turn 12 is not the way @marcmarquez93 would’ve wanted to start his morning stint 💥#BuriramTest ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/wgRlVXvrK6
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 21, 2026
https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/2025073958253469768
