Ducati, Marc Marquez has made his choice. Triggers the domino effect, Pecco Bagnaia also involved

No twists and turns: a few days after the Buriram tests, Marc Marquez has definitively broken off. According to what is filtering in these hours, the number 93 will remain loyal to Ducati for two more seasons: he will ride the Desmosedici at least until the end of 2028 with a very specific goal: to win the tenth world title and to do it in the Queen Class. The most important piece of the market has fallen into place.

Between a Marquez now tired of racing and taking risks with an uncompetitive Honda and Ducati, it was instant feeling. The first laps at Valencia in November 2023 had already hinted at the direction. After a transitional 2024 with Gresini Racing, he had hit his target: two-year contract with the official Borgo Panigale team. In his first year in red came the title, won with authority, from the start in Buriram to the final celebration in Motegi for the ninth career world championship. In between, also a hiccup and not a minor one, although it came when the World Championship was already in the bag: the injury in Indonesia and a return to the Sepang tests accompanied by some doubts, vanished, however, after a few laps. Clear signals, on and off the track.

Already in December, on the sidelines of the “Champions in Celebration” celebrations, Marquez had opened up about his future, assuring that he was perfectly comfortable with the team. In January, Ducati Corse sport director Mauro Grassilli had confirmed that negotiations were very well underway and that only details were missing for them to close to mutual satisfaction. The official announcement is expected on the eve of testing in Thailand and is expected to cover the two-year period 2027-2028.

Aldo Seghedoni

The move has enormous specific weight. Starting in 2027, MotoGP will change face with a shift from 1000cc to 850cc engines. Staying in red means aiming to be the reference in the new technical cycle as well. Right now, the strongest rider is on the most competitive bike in the current regulations. The cards will shuffle for sure, but Marquez wants to do it as a star in a stable that fits him like a glove.

With the most valuable piece of the market settled, it is now the turn of the others. More than one rider had announced that he would decide his future before the first Grand Prix of the season. The time for choices has come. Who will be the MotoGp world champion’s teammate? The hottest name is that of Pedro Acosta. The talent from Murcia has been hinted at the official Ducati saddle since the Sepang tests. At the moment there is no confirmation, but the rumors are persistent. If the operation goes through, Pecco Bagnaia, who also gave so much to Ducati, would have to look for alternatives. Acosta’s arrival would close spaces and open a new market scenario. With Marquez armored until 2028, the domino is ready to go.