Alex Marquez remains a key figure at Ducati despite a confirmed switch to KTM – the Spaniard explains why the bike’s development remains unaffected
Although not yet officially confirmed, Alex Marquez will reportedly switch to KTM in 2027. However, the Spaniard does not expect this to affect his current role in development work at Ducati.
“The manufacturers pay their riders until the end of the year and try to get the maximum out of them and use everything they can deliver. Ducati has not changed anything because of the rumors on the rider market. They continue to work with the four factory riders they have under contract,” the runner-up in the world championship clarifies.
With regard to his future move to KTM, the Spaniard emphasizes that this is still a long way off and that his focus is entirely on the current task.
Alex Marquez about to switch to KTM
Behind the scenes, several rider changes have already been decided for 2027. However, these can only be officially confirmed once the new five-year framework agreement between the manufacturers’ association MSMA and the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (formerly Dorna) has been signed.
A major wave of official announcements is expected once this agreement has been concluded. This will also affect the younger of the Marquez brothers. After four MotoGP seasons, three wins and a second place in the 2025 season on a Ducati, his move to a KTM factory team has already been confirmed.
The move comes just one year after he was promoted to factory rider in development within Ducati despite his stint in the Gresini team. His strong 2025 season, in which he was only beaten by his brother Marc, led to a significant upgrade in his role at Borgo Panigale.
Alex Marquez continues to give his all
In addition to the use of the latest Desmosedici specification (GP26), the number 73 became an important building block in the further development of the bike, whose dominance is now coming under increasing pressure from Aprilia.
The manufacturer from Noale won the first three races of the season with Marco Bezzecchi and currently leads the world championship together with Jorge Martin in second place. This development is forcing Ducati to use all available resources to reduce the gap to its direct rival.
Under different circumstances, both Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, who has been linked with a move to Aprilia next season, might have had less influence on the development work.
“Ducati is a bit stuck at the moment”
At the moment, however, Ducati cannot afford to take one of the two riders out of technical development. Marquez himself describes the situation clearly.
“At the moment, Aprilia is better than Ducati because they are winning. Last year we were in front and they couldn’t beat us, but this season Ducati is a bit stuck. Hopefully we will reach a point during the year where we take a step forward,” said the Gresini rider looking ahead.
In the current world championship standings, Marquez is in eighth place. His best result of the season so far is sixth place in Brazil. This is a clear contrast to the previous MotoGP season, when he was already leading the world championship after the third race weekend following three second places in a row.