Marc Marquez will not return to Honda after reports that he has agreed to stay at Ducati.
Ducati to announce Marquez extension Next month, shortly before the start of the 2026 season. The team committed to starting in the Dolomites.
The news comes as a huge blow to Honda, who are hoping to re-sign their iconic rider for the new era of MotoGP. Given Marquez Dominating the 2025 championship at Ducati, the decision should come as no surprise.
Marc Marquez, 2019 – The Greatest Motorcycle Racing Season?
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Marquez considered joining Honda. But, despite his former team showing promise recently, Ducati ultimately represented a safe bet in his eyes.
Honda could pair Pedro Acosta with David Alonso for the 2027 MotoGP season.
Speaking on Paddock pass Podcast Earlier this month, journalists David Emmett and Neil Morrison predicted Honda’s 2027 lineup. Emmett had heard that they had made inquiries of several riders and praised their ‘big, fat checkbooks’.
While he has repeatedly said that he is not motivated by money, Pedro Acosta Honda can feel that it can win again with the new rules. The Japanese giants could target Moto2 sensation David Alonso as their team-mate.
Emmett expects Luca Marini to be demoted to LCR at the expense of Johan Zarco, although the Frenchman has a contract until 2027, while Joan Mir will continue in full.
Who should Honda sign for the 2027 MotoGP season?
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“I had a few conversations in Valencia last year, and some of the managers said Honda They’ve got a big, fat checkbook, and they’re waving it at anyone who will take it,” he said.
“Marini is great, I don’t think they will sack Marini. I think they will move him down to replace Johan Zarco. Miguel Oliveira had a contract until 2026 and look where that got him.
“I think we are more likely to see Acosta on Honda than Yamaha. Acosta wants to win and is happy to take a lot of money. Alonso is the future.”
Morrison agreed: “Honda – Acosta et al David Alonso. You sign a rider who you think can fight for the championship, a year down the line the rider does the same.
Honda have a plan C if they lose Pedro Acosta.
Acosta wants to join Honda or Ducati If it leaves KTM, this is likely to increase.
There is a chance he could deny Alberto Puig his top two targets by signing Luigi Dalian Acosta to join Marquez’s side.
In that event, Honda could opt for a more conservative approach by promoting 2025 Moto2 champion Diogo Moreira from the LCR and keeping Marini.
Predicting the line-up, Paddock Pass host Adam Wheeler said: “Honda will have Moto2 World Champion Diogo Moreira as well as Luca Marini for some continuity.”
There are still plenty of opportunities for Honda, then, even after Marquez decides to stay at Ducati. Perhaps they’ll sign the superstar they want and then let their experienced front office battle their younger prospects for the second bench.
