Marc Marquez is set to be at the center of the MotoGP rider market in 2026, as Honda look set to battle Ducati by completing the signing of the Spaniard.
of MotoGP rider market In the year Due to explode in 2026, only three stars are now bound for 2027. Honda They took over two of the three riders, giving Johan Zarco a new contract with LCR until 2027 and later signing Diogo Morera to LCR until at least 2027.
Honda signed Luca Marini to a new contract in September, but the Italian’s new deal only runs until 2026. Joan Mir is also out of contract at the end of 2026, so Honda have their sights set on convincing her. Marquez In the year To return following his journey at the end of 2023.
Márquez has accepted that he will leave Honda in 2023 In the year Proving to himself that he can compete at the front of the grid by joining satellite team Gresini Ducati in 2024. As soon as Marquez joined the factory, the switch was off. Ducati Team in 2025 and won the drivers’ title.
What do you expect Marc Marquez to achieve in 2026?
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Carlo Pernat feels that Honda will ‘never’ have the financial capacity to convince Ducati’s Marc Marquez.
Marquez has only joined Ducati on a two-year contract, but the Borgo Pangale team are now trying to convince the 32-year-old to agree new terms and head into the 2027 MotoGP regulations cycle. But Carlo Pernat Honda feels it could be a “big problem” for Ducati.
Read more: Marc Marquez’s first MotoGP title with Ducati was defined in five moments
Pernat thinks Ducati will “never” be able to match the financial power of the world’s largest motorcycle company, Honda. So, if Honda can show Marquez that they’ve turned the RC213V into a competitive bike in his absence, they could tempt him to return in 2027.
“The Marquez-Ducati thing is definitely a big deal, because Ducati definitely wants to keep him,” Pernat said. reaping. But they will never have the financial strength of Honda. RC213V can be a big problem if a good bike is found.
It is said that The idea of ​​​​returning to Honda appeals to MarquezBut if another brand can offer a more promising bike for the 2027 regulations, it will leave Ducati. Above all else, the 32-year-old prioritizes the opportunity to challenge for the 2027 Riders’ title.
Carlo Pernat expects the MotoGP rider market to settle in four or five rounds.
Pernat feels that the situation on the other side of the Ducati garage is “open”, as Francesco Bagnaia In the year The contract expires at the end of 2026. But the popular rider agent doesn’t expect Ducati to wait long before locking down their line-up for the 2027 season.
Read more: The best moments of Francesco Bagnaia’s MotoGP career
Who is Ducati’s best choice to replace Francesco Bagnaia?
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“The discussion about Peco is also open,” continued Pernat. “But for next year, I think everything will be finalized in the first four or five grands prix.”
Recent reports have indicated that Ducati has decided to part with Bagnaia At the end of the contract in 2026, the door remains open for the Italian to stay at Borgo Pangale until 2027. Bagnaia may take a pay cut to stay at Ducati..
Ducati’s main task is to agree a new contract with Marquez for 2027.The now seven-time premier class champion has been in charge since joining Bagnaia in 2026. Marquez has won 11 Grands Prix and 14 Sprints in 18 rounds, while Bagnaia has won two in 22 rounds.
