Marc Marquez extends Ducati contract

“Perhaps redder than ever and ready to write more legendary chapters of his MotoGP journey in full Ducati red,” it says on the Bologna manufacturer’s social media channels. The 33-year-old has been driving for the factory team since 2025 and crowned his record-breaking career by winning the world championship.

2026 did not go according to plan up to and including Mugello. In seven Grand Prix there was not a single podium, but instead there were four zeros. Marquez only got going in Hungary, followed up with victory in the Czech Republic last weekend and is holding on World Cup fight 40 points behind leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia).

Bagnaia no longer a Marquez teammate

On Wednesday there will be clarity about the future of Francsco Bagnaia. The two-time MotoGP world champion will leave Bologna. Marquez’s new teammate will be from the 2027 season Pedro Acosta be. KTM-Motorsport boss Pit Beirer is losing the Spanish MotoGP talent to Ducati.

It is an open secret where Bagnaia will continue his career. In the coming days it is expected that Aprilia will announce the commitment for 2027 and 2028. This would mean Noale would have an Italian driver pairing, as that WM-Leader Marco Bezzecchi will also sit on an RS-GP. Both Bagnaia and Bezzecchi are part of the “VR46 Academy”, an academy once run by sports legend Valentino Rossi was founded.