Marc Márquez Secures Two-Year Factory Seat with Ducati Through 2026
Marc Márquez will join the Ducati Lenovo Team for the 2025 and 2026 MotoGP seasons, the manufacturer officially confirmed. The six-time premier class world champion, currently riding for Gresini Racing, will transition to the factory squad to partner with reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia. This move marks the end of Márquez’s tenure with satellite equipment and places him on the latest-specification Desmosedici GP machinery for the next two years.
The Terms of the Agreement
Ducati Corse announced on June 5, 2024, that the agreement covers a two-year duration, securing the Spanish rider’s services through the conclusion of the 2026 campaign. While financial details remain undisclosed, the move represents a significant shift in Ducati’s long-standing rider strategy. By signing the 31-year-old Márquez, the Italian manufacturer opted for the veteran over current factory rider Enea Bastianini and Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martín, both of whom were in contention for the seat.
“I am very happy to be able to wear the red colors of the factory Ducati team in the next MotoGP season,” Márquez said in the official team statement. “From the first contact with the Desmosedici GP, I enjoyed riding it and adapted well immediately.”
Strategic Impact on the MotoGP Grid
The decision to sign Márquez triggered a seismic shift in the rider market. Following the announcement, Jorge Martín confirmed his departure from the Ducati ecosystem to join Aprilia Racing for 2025. This move highlights the competitive pressure within the Ducati ranks, where the manufacturer currently leads the Constructors’ Championship.
For Ducati, the arrival of Márquez pairs the two most successful riders of the current era. Bagnaia, who has secured back-to-back world titles for the Borgo Panigale factory, will now share a garage with a rider who holds 59 premier class victories. Team General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna noted that the choice was difficult due to the high caliber of candidates, but emphasized that Márquez’s “immense talent” made him a clear priority for the future of the factory project.
Adaptation to the Desmosedici
Márquez’s transition to the Ducati platform began earlier this year when he left Repsol Honda after an 11-year association. Riding the 2023-spec bike with Gresini, he has consistently fought at the front of the pack, demonstrating an ability to extract performance from the machine despite not having the latest factory updates. Current standings reflect his rapid acclimation, as he remains a primary challenger in the 2024 World Championship fight.
The move to the factory team ensures that Márquez will have direct access to the latest technical developments and factory support staff, eliminating the performance gap that exists between satellite and factory-spec motorcycles. This technical parity is expected to heighten the internal competition within the Ducati garage, as both riders will be operating on identical equipment.
What Lies Ahead for the 2025 Season
With his factory future settled, Márquez’s immediate focus remains on the remainder of the 2024 season with Gresini Racing. The MotoGP calendar continues with upcoming rounds in Europe, where the battle for the championship remains tight between the factory Ducati and the independent entries.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the grid is the upcoming Grand Prix weekend. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the team dynamic evolves between Márquez and his future teammate, Bagnaia, as the season progresses toward the final rounds in Valencia. Official updates regarding testing schedules and 2025 technical regulations will be provided by MotoGP and Ducati Corse as the transition date approaches.
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