Forthcoming KTM switch not impacting Marquez's involvement in GP26 development

Many MotoGP rider deals have been agreed for the 2027 season, with official confirmation pending the signing of the commercial framework for the next five years between the manufacturers’ association (MSMA) and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MGPSEG, formerly known as Dorna).

Once that deal is finalised, a wave of announcements is expected.

One of those will involve Alex Marquez, who will switch to a factory KTM ride after four seasons, three wins and a runner-up finish in 2025 at Ducati. That move will come just a year after he was promoted to factory rider status by the Italian manufacturer in terms of development, albeit still racing in Gresini colours.

Marquez’ outstanding 2025 campaign, when only brother Marc beat him and he outperformed all other Ducati riders, prompted Borgo Panigale executives to hand him a much more prominent role in the bike’s evolution. The Spaniard received the latest Desmosedici specification (GP26) and became a key figure in developing a prototype whose dominance is now under threat from Aprilia.

The Noale-based manufacturer has won the opening three rounds of 2026 with Marco Bezzecchi and currently leads the standings with both the Italian and Jorge Martin. That situation leaves Ducati with no room to hold back resources as it attempts to close the gap to its domestic rival.

Under different circumstances, both Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia – who is also set to join Aprilia next season – might have seen their influence on development reduced. But Ducati is currently in no position to sideline either of them.

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team, Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

“At the moment, Aprilia is performing better than Ducati, because they are the ones winning,” Marquez recently told Autosport. “Last year we were ahead and they couldn’t beat us, but this season Ducati has been a bit stuck. Hopefully we can reach a point in the year where we take a step forward.”

For the Spaniard, 2027 and his move to KTM still feel a long way off, and his focus remains firmly on helping Ducati return to the top.

“Manufacturers pay their riders until the end of the year, and they try to get the maximum out of them and everything they can offer. Ducati hasn’t changed anything because of the market rumours. They are still working with the four factory riders they have under contract,” the 29-year-old insisted.

Marquez currently sits eighth in the standings, with a sixth-place finish in Brazil his best result so far – a stark contrast to last season, when he led the championship at this stage following three consecutive second-place finishes.