Marc Márquez puts the brakes on negotiations with Ducati: "I asked them to wait."

Still feeling the effects of a physically demanding winter, Marc Márquez had a difficult start to the season in Thailand. In addition to his physical limitations, a consequence of the shoulder injury he sustained last year in Indonesia, the Spaniard suffered some bad luck. While battling with Pedro Acosta (KTM) and the Aprilias for a podium finish, his tire hit the curb, bending the rim and causing a puncture that forced him to retire.

An incident that forced him to finish the first weekend of the season in 8th position in the Drivers' standings. He thus lost the lead in the overall standings. MotoGP for the first time since the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, held last April in Jerez.

Negotiations on hold

Despite everything, the Catalan rider can take some positives from a weekend where he was still fighting for a podium finish. Number 93, still seeking his 100th world championship victory, is already focused on the Brazilian Grand Prix. "Yes, of course, I'm looking forward to the next races," he confided during an event organized by his personal sponsor, Estrella Galicia. In Thailand, we suffered a bit, but even though we suffered, we were there, fighting for the podium, so that's the good news. 

Despite everything, the 33-year-old rider is still struggling with his injuries. While he had announced his intention to decide his future before the start of the season, these injuries are forcing him to postpone signing his new contract with Ducati. He had already mentioned this need for clarity before considering the future: he wants to regain his form first, then negotiate.

“Regarding the contract, Ducati and I agree on most points,” He says. But as I said in the press conference, I asked Ducati to wait a bit, to have that moment, because I was injured when we started talking about the future. And above all, I want to feel good on the bike, and then of course, sign the contract.

Marc Márquez is headed to Brazil

The multiple world champion has therefore given himself two weeks to take his physical preparation to the next level: "It's true that I now have two weeks ahead of me. I'd like to take another step forward with my physical plan. Let's see if I can, but I'm already starting to feel like I'm in a good place to fight for the races."

While Ducati was keen to finalize the Spaniard's contract extension quickly, discussions stalled over the length of the future commitment. Ducati's poor performance in Thailand – no Borgo Panigale bike finished in the top five – was, however, unrelated to the delay in this extension.

 

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The two parties are expected to agree on a two-year contract, which would see Marc Marquez ride for Ducati until the end of 2028. Following Marquez's signing, Ducati will announce the signing of Pedro Acosta, the leading candidate to replace Pecco Bagnaia. The Italian himself is expected to join Aprilia.

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