Alex Marquez is preparing for what is likely his final season with Gresini before moving to the KTM factory team in 2027. The transition follows reports that his decision was influenced by a feeling of underappreciation from Ducati’s leadership despite his strong performances.
Last season, Marquez surprised many by finishing second in the championship behind his brother Marc Marquez. With Pedro Acosta joining Ducati’s factory squad and Maverick Vinales set for promotion from Tech3 to KTM, the factory teams have been actively securing top talent for the coming seasons.
Marquez’s Racing Success and Growing Reputation
In 2025, Marquez achieved significant milestones, including three premier class Grand Prix victories—the first of his career—and three gold medals in Sprint races. Across 44 starts, his consistent form yielded 26 podium finishes, signaling his status as a top contender in MotoGP.
Feeling Undervalued by Ducati Influenced Marquez’s Decision
Reports from El Periodico indicate that Alex Marquez felt “neglected, unloved and undervalued” by Ducati’s management at Borgo Panigale. Although Ducati provided him with a factory-spec GP26 bike this year, deviating from their initial plan to upgrade Fermin Aldeguer’s machinery, Marquez was never seriously considered for a factory team slot despite his strong results.
This lack of recognition made him receptive to KTM’s offer, especially since many in the paddock recognize him as one of the few real threats to Marc Marquez’s championship ambitions this year, alongside Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia. His 2025 performance has reinforced expectations that he will remain a serious title contender.
Alex Marquez on Taking Risks at Age 30
At the pre-Thailand press conference, Marquez acknowledged ongoing reflections about his career path but hinted that the decision to move is imminent. He conveyed a sense of emotional conflict given his loyalty to Gresini, who helped rebuild his reputation following his departure from Honda in 2022, but also stressed the necessity of embracing risk at this stage in his career.
So, if there’s ever a time to take a risk, it’s now, but there’s also a sentimental attachment to Gresini that I find difficult,
he said, via AS.
I have to think rationally about my future, and we’ll see, but as I said, I’m 30 years old; if I don’t do it now, I won’t. We have to weigh everything up and see which way it tips.
Future Plans for Gresini and Ducati’s Rider Lineup
This week, Ducati extended Fermin Aldeguer’s contract through the end of 2028, securing his presence at Gresini for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, connections to Moto2 standout David Alonso appear to be fading. Gresini could instead re-sign Fabio Di Giannantonio, who already rides a Ducati with the VR46 team, to take the vacant seat left by Marquez’s departure.
The Wider Impact of Marquez’s Move to KTM
Alex Marquez’s transition to KTM marks a significant shift within the MotoGP paddock. It underlines how team dynamics and management appreciation can influence high-profile rider decisions, even amid impressive on-track achievements. His choice to embrace a new challenge could reshape KTM’s competitive standing while leaving Gresini to recalibrate its roster and ambitions for upcoming seasons.
