Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has disclosed that the delay in signing his new Ducati contract stems from disagreements over the contract length between him and the Italian manufacturer. Earlier talks had been positive, but both parties are now trying to reconcile their preference for different deal durations.
Marquez is reportedly closer to agreeing on a two-year contract covering 2027 and 2028, where he would be teamed with Pedro Acosta, while his current teammate Pecco Bagnaia is expected to move to Aprilia. Despite optimism expressed by Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna during the team’s recent presentation, the situation has become more complicated as Marquez has considered a one-year deal with an optional extension.
Physical Setbacks Influencing Contract Decisions
At the conclusion of the second and final pre-season test in Buriram, Marquez clarified that concerns about his physical condition have played a central role in the negotiations. After his crash with Marco Bezzecchi at the 2023 Indonesian Grand Prix, which required multiple surgeries and recovery time for a shoulder injury, Marquez admitted the damage was more severe than initially disclosed. This has caused him to hesitate in committing to a long-term agreement.
“We are working on it with Ducati,”
Marquez said about the contract length.
“The ideal for them is two years because, if not, you are there in the middle of nowhere. But yeah, at the moment the most important for me is to start the pre-season feeling better and better.
He added,
“I feel a small step but a step, between the Malaysia test and here. Let’s see if I continue feeling better with my physical condition. If I feel like today, that I feel a small step in my shoulder, and tomorrow another one, will be not a problem for me for a two-year contract.”
Marquez emphasized the difficulties of making a commitment while still recovering.
“It’s my biggest limitation. So, yeah, as always I say – and it’s what I learned. When you are injured, you can’t take any decision, sign any contract.”
“It’s true that some will do [that]. But first [priority] of all for me was try to understand my new injury, how it was, and I feel like it’s coming in a good way. Still some job to do, but it’s coming in a good way. So for that reason we are working with Ducati in a good way, too.”
Impact of Accumulated Injuries on Marquez’s Career
At 33 years old, Marquez has endured numerous serious injuries throughout his racing career. While he maintains a youthful mental outlook, he acknowledges that his body feels the toll of repeated trauma more acutely than before. Recovery now demands additional time and effort compared to earlier in his career.
“For me, honestly speaking, it’s not getting harder with age,”
Marquez said.
“It’s getting harder with injuries. Not with age. In the end, I feel still young on the mental side. But it’s true that with the injuries – one, another, another – that makes my body lazier and lazier, and it takes more time [to recover].”
The extended recovery period this winter has been challenging, but Marquez remains committed to progress in preparation for the upcoming races.
“So for that reason this winter was super long. And yeah, still we are working on it. It’s true that after the Thailand race we have two more weeks [before Brazil], so let’s see if we can continue on the evolution.”
Future Outlook for Marquez and Ducati Partnership
Contract negotiations between Marc Marquez and Ducati reflect the complexities athletes face when balancing physical health with career ambitions. The resolution of this contract will not only determine Marquez’s immediate racing future but will also influence Ducati’s team lineup as Pedro Acosta joins alongside him in the next seasons while Pecco Bagnaia transitions to Aprilia.
With continuing recovery and negotiation progress, the coming weeks will be crucial. Marquez’s cautious approach shows a priority on physical readiness over rapid contract closure, signaling a pragmatic stance as he navigates this critical phase of his MotoGP journey.
