MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Reigning world champion Marc Marquez has clarified that physical condition, rather than contractual disagreement, has been the key factor behind the delay in signing a new MotoGP deal with Ducati Lenovo Team for 2027.
After dominating the 2025 season to secure his seventh premier-class title with Ducati, it appeared a formality that Marquez would continue in factory red beyond 2026. However, the absence of a formal announcement sparked speculation that negotiations had stalled, reportedly over the length of the proposed contract.
Ducati is understood to favour a two-year extension, aligning with broader contract cycles within the paddock. Marquez, however, has been cautious about committing to that term while monitoring the recovery of a shoulder injury sustained last October.
“We are working on it with Ducati, but the ideal for them is two years because, if not, you are in the middle of nowhere between contract cycles,” Marquez said during the Buriram pre-season test.
“But at the moment, the most important thing for me was to start the pre-season feeling better and better.”
“I feel a small step, but a step, between Malaysia test and here.”
The Spaniard emphasised that lessons from previous injuries have shaped his approach to long-term decisions.
“It’s my biggest limitation. It’s what I learned: when you are injured, you cannot make any decisions and sign any contracts.”
“It’s true that somebody will do it, because if you have the contract there, even if you are injured, you need to make a decision. But first of all for me, it was trying to understand how my new injury was.”
Marquez indicated that progress is encouraging, though not yet complete.
“It’s coming in a good way, still some job to do. So, for that reason, we are working with Ducati in a good way too.”
On track, Marquez finished Saturday’s Buriram running second overall despite suffering two crashes. He attributed the first to running over slippery white lines at the final corner, while the second resulted from a lapse in concentration linked to illness.
“When I got up, I saw that it would be a difficult day, because I had a stomach problem,” he explained.
“I started the day in the worst way possible with that crash in the last turn on the second lap, where I touched the white lines.”
“Then everybody realised how slippery the white lines were; it was something to do with the paint.”
“The second crash was my mistake, lack of focus. I was super tired with the stomach problems, so I was not focused enough. In the afternoon I came back with more energy.”
With contract discussions ongoing and physical recovery progressing, Marquez’s 2027 future now appears contingent on continued improvement in his shoulder condition ahead of a final agreement with Ducati.
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