Track status: green

Motorsport Magazine

MotoGP ·

MotoGP 2026: Marc Márquez close to a Ducati renewal, announcement imminent

Marc Márquez ready to renew with Ducati: deal close and announcement imminent. Domenicali’s words and the implications for 2027.

Ultimogiro Newsroom · 30 April 2026 · 2 min read

Graphic: Ultimogiro.net

Márquez’s future takes shape: clear signs from Ducati

The future of Marc Márquez in MotoGP now seems written. After weeks of rumours and intense negotiations, the renewal with Ducati is just a step away from being official. Confirming this, albeit without definitive statements, was CEO Claudio Domenicali, who spoke openly of a deal now close to formalisation.

In the measured language of the paddock, words like “very close” amount to almost certainty. Ducati has long identified the Spaniard as one of the cornerstones of its sporting and industrial project. The desire to continue together was never really in doubt, but the complexity of the riders’ market has imposed longer timescales than expected.

A winning project: Ducati is banking on Márquez

The understanding between Márquez and Ducati is not just a contractual matter, but represents a shared strategic vision. After the initial impact, the Spaniard has shown that he can adapt quickly to the Desmosedici, rediscovering the competitiveness that had made him dominant in previous years.

Márquez himself, in his latest media appearances, has hinted at an atmosphere of great confidence. He has spoken of “growing harmony” with the team and of a bike that finally allows him to express his own style without compromise. Words that reflect a renewed technical and mental serenity, fundamental for a rider of his calibre.

The statements from the paddock: confidence and ambition

In the paddock, the renewal is now taken for granted even by direct rivals. Some riders have pointed out how the Márquez-Ducati combination is now one of the category’s absolute benchmarks. The feeling is that, with continuity and stability, this partnership could open a new winning cycle.

Domenicali, for his part, highlighted the importance of building a long-term project. Without going into details, he reiterated how Ducati wants to “guarantee the best conditions for its riders to win”, suggesting that the agreement with Márquez fits perfectly into this philosophy.

Impact on the MotoGP 2026 market

Márquez’s imminent renewal will inevitably have repercussions across the whole MotoGP market. His staying at Ducati closes one of the most uncertain scenarios, forcing teams and riders to redefine their strategies.

Several leading names remain awaiting developments, but with Márquez now set to stay at Borgo Panigale, the balance seems settled. Ducati, once again, confirms itself at the centre of the championship’s dynamics, both on and off the track.

When the official announcement will arrive

The official announcement could arrive shortly, probably to coincide with one of the next MotoGP rounds on the calendar. The timing would be quick, consistent with what has emerged from Domenicali’s words and with the need to give stability to the sporting project.

While waiting for final confirmation, one thing appears clear: Márquez and Ducati are ready to continue together. And if the conditions are met, this partnership could mark one of the most competitive and spectacular eras of modern MotoGP.

Next story

Standings

  1. 193Marc MarquezDucati · Ducati Lenovo TeamES399Leader
  2. 289Jorge MartinAprilia · Aprilia RacingES355−44
  3. 372Marco BezzecchiAprilia · Aprilia RacingIT332−67
  4. 437Pedro AcostaKTM · Red Bull KTM Factory RacingES295−104
  5. 579Ai OguraAprilia · SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP TeamJP278−121

2026 season · After round 19 of 22 · Updated 1 Nov · Source: MotoGP.com

Full standings

Next race

MotoGP

Qatar GP

Lusail International Circuit

R20

Race starts in

–days
––hrs
––min
––sec
  • Fri 6 NovFree Practice 1
  • Fri 6 NovPractice
  • Sat 7 NovFree Practice 2
  • Sat 7 NovQualifying 1
  • Sat 7 NovQualifying 2
  • Sat 7 NovSprint
  • Sun 8 NovWarm up
  • Sun 8 NovRace
MotoGP newsItalian time