Marquez Admits Doubts Over MotoGP Future Until 2028

Marc Marquez has admitted that he seriously doubted whether he wanted to continue as a full-time MotoGP rider after 2026. The 33-year-old Spaniard extended his contract with the Ducati Lenovo Team at the end of June for two seasons, keeping him tied to the Italian manufacturer until the end of 2028.

Marquez revealed his doubts in an interview with TNT Sports around the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. It was not the sporting opportunities at Ducati, but mainly his physical condition that played a key role in his decision.

“I had doubts whether I should continue,” said Marquez. “But I always try to stay positive and told myself that I want to enjoy it. At the moment, I cannot imagine a life without a motorcycle.”

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The reigning MotoGP world champion suffered another serious injury to his right shoulder at the end of 2025 during the Indonesian Grand Prix. After surgery, a lengthy rehabilitation followed, so before the 2026 season, Marquez wanted to be certain about his physical capabilities. This also explains why a new deal with Ducati took longer than initially expected. Talks had started earlier, but Marquez wanted to see how his body would react to the demands of a MotoGP machine. Eventually, both parties reached an agreement on a two-year contract. Ducati officially announced on 23 June that Marquez would race for the Borgo Panigale factory team in 2027 and 2028.

With this decision, Marquez will also face the major technical regulation changes of 2027 with Ducati. A return to Honda was also a possibility. Marquez confirmed that an informal meeting with Honda Racing Corporation representatives took place in Valencia at the end of 2025. The Spaniard rode for Honda from 2013 to 2023, winning six MotoGP world titles with the Japanese brand. However, a real return was never on the cards. Marquez immediately made it clear that Ducati was his first choice as long as he felt competitive and at home in the Italian MotoGP project.

From 2027, Marquez will also have a new and extremely strong teammate. Pedro Acosta will move from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to the Ducati Lenovo Team after this season, replacing Francesco Bagnaia. Ducati will then have two Spanish riders from different generations. Marquez brings a wealth of experience and world titles, while Acosta is currently considered one of the greatest talents of his generation.

For Marquez, the new contract represents a clear choice: despite all the injuries and the doubts they caused, his hunger for racing has not disappeared. If he serves his full contract, the now 33-year-old Spaniard will remain active at the highest level until he is 35.