Marc Marquez joins factory Ducati squad for next two MotoGP seasons, set to partner Pecco

The eight-time world champion Marc Marquez will be Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate in the factory Ducati squad for the 2025 and 2026 MotoGP seasons. This official announcement marks a significant shift in Marquez’s career, bringing him back into front-line title contention after his recent split from Repsol Honda to ride a year-old Gresini Ducati this season.

Marquez’s decision to leave Honda was seen as a bold move, especially as he had yet to win a race on the Gresini Ducati. However, this gamble has now paid off handsomely, securing him one of the most coveted seats on the premier-class grid. 

Marquez had been in a fierce battle with current Pramac Ducati title leader Jorge Martin for the coveted factory ride. Just days ago, it was rumoured that Marquez was set to lose out to his younger compatriot.

Jorge Martin’s decision paved the way for Marquez! 

In a surprising turn of events, Marquez publicly rejected a switch to factory machinery at Pramac. This move appeared to prompt a shock U-turn by Ducati, who ultimately decided to secure Marquez for their factory team. 

Meanwhile, Jorge Martin, who had been vying for the same position, signed with rival Italian factory Aprilia during Monday’s Mugello post-race test. This left the pathway clear for Marquez to join Ducati, with current team-mate Enea Bastianini reported to be joining KTM via a Tech3 seat.

Marquez’s career has been marked by remarkable achievements and significant challenges. He won the MotoGP title in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 for Honda. However, his journey was marred by arm injury woes that began at Jerez in 2020. Despite these setbacks, Marquez has shown resilience and skill, securing three grand prix podiums for Gresini on the GP23 this season.

Currently, Jorge Martin leads the points standings by a reduced 18 points from reigning double champion Francesco Bagnaia, with Marquez also firmly in the early title hunt in third place, 35 points behind Martin. The move to Ducati's factory team is expected to boost Marquez's chances of reclaiming the championship title.