MotoGP: What is behind Marc Marquez's two-year contract extension with Ducati?

Hot on the heels of his two succesful victories in Hungary and the Czech Republik, Marc Marquez confirmed the extension of his agreement with Ducati which means that he will spend at least two more seasons at the Bologna-based team.

The relationship between Márquez and Ducati began in early 2024 when the Spanish rider switched from Honda to the Gresini Ducati outfit. The following season saw Marquez join the Factory team.

It was with the Ducati Lenovo Team that Márquez produced one of the most dominant seasons in modern MotoGP history: 14 Sprint victories, 11 Grand Prix wins, including 10 double‑wins combining Sprint and GP, seven consecutive double‑wins, and the Riders’ Championship secured with five rounds remaining.

His total of 545 points set a new all‑time record for a single season, marking a triumphant return to the top six years after his previous world title.

The 2026 season has added further symbolic weight to the partnership. As Ducati celebrates the centenary of its founding, Márquez and the Factory team reached the milestone of 100 victories on the same day at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The achievement formed a “triple 100”: the manufacturer’s 100 years, Márquez’s 100 career wins across all categories, and the Ducati Factory Team’s 100 MotoGP victories since 2003.

Reflecting on the renewal, Márquez expressed both pride and conviction in the project he has embraced. “I'm red. I'm truly happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family.

"When I decided to join Ducati, I was convinced it was the most competitive project. They believed in me, and we built a relationship based on trust and hard work.”

The Spanish rider emphasised the importance of stability and mutual confidence in reaching the decision: “With this renewal, they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision.

"In our first year together, we fought for the title and won it: a priceless result that confirms that the path we had chosen was the right one.”

Looking ahead, Márquez made clear that his ambitions remain undiminished. “I continue to compete because I love this sport and I want to achieve even more ambitious goals. I'm convinced this is the right place to do it. As long as I'm here, I'll give my all to paint the future red.”

Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali described the renewal as a natural continuation of a winning project. “The renewal with Marc for the 2027 and 2028 seasons represents the most natural choice after the incredible results we achieved together in his first season in red.”

He praised Márquez’s mentality and the way he has integrated into the Ducati environment. “He brought into a winning Team a mentality that is, if possible, even more determined and an extraordinary competitive spirit.

"Marc, besides being an extraordinary talent, perfectly represents the Ducati mentality, made of great dedication and sacrifice but also of harmony within the Team and the ability to be great professionals even in a playful and serene atmosphere.”

Domenicali added that the extension ensures continuity at the highest level. “Continuing together means giving continuity to a successful project and therefore facing the upcoming seasons with the ambition to keep Ducati at the top of MotoGP.”

Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna, widely regarded as the architect of Ducati’s modern MotoGP success, highlighted the foundation of trust that has defined the collaboration. “Trust, the relationship between Ducati and Marc starts here.

"He was looking for us first, he chose us then, and today we are happy to say that we are planning a future—more red than rosy—together.” Dall’Igna also emphasised Márquez’s technical contribution to the Desmosedici project.

“As an engineer, working with Marc has impressed me. He brought the Desmosedici GP to peak performances, enhancing every component.” He concluded with a reaffirmation of shared ambition.

“The ambitions remain unchanged, and I am happy to be able to live, both sportingly and personally, a new chapter in this Ducati story together with Marc.”