Marc Marquez extends Ducati deal to 2028, vows to 'paint the future red'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has signed a contract extension with Ducati Lenovo Team that will keep the seven-time world champion with the Bologna-based manufacturer through the end of the 2028 season, the team confirmed on Tuesday, 23 June. The deal cements one of the most consequential partnerships in the premier class.
A Renewal Built on Resurgence
The 33-year-old Spaniard first joined the Borgo Panigale outfit in 2024, and the following year delivered a remarkable comeback — clinching his seventh world title and his first championship since 2019, highlighted by victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. The extension reflects Ducati's continued faith in one of the sport's all-time greats.
The current 2026 season has posed fresh challenges. Marquez dealt with lingering injury effects before undergoing surgery on both his shoulder and left foot. Yet less than a month after going under the knife, he marked the 100th win of his career across all categories with a dominant display at the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park.
Back-to-Back Wins Signal Return to Form
Marquez carried that momentum directly into the following round, winning the Czech Grand Prix as well. The back-to-back victories underlined that the Spaniard retains the instincts and racecraft that have defined his career, even as he manages the physical toll of years of high-speed competition.
Heading into the Dutch Grand Prix, Marquez sits 40 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi — a gap that, given recent form, the Ducati camp will not consider insurmountable.
What Marquez Said
'I am red. I am super happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family,' Marquez said in a statement. 'With this renewal they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision.'
On his motivation to keep racing, Marquez was unambiguous: 'I continue to compete because I love this sport and I want to achieve even more ambitious goals. I'm convinced this is the right place to do it. As long as I'm here, I'll give my all to paint the future red.'
What This Means for MotoGP's Landscape
The extension locks in Marquez at Ducati through 2028, a period that will likely define the final chapter of his premier-class career. For Ducati, retaining a rider with seven world titles and now a century of wins across categories is both a sporting and commercial statement. This comes amid an intensely competitive manufacturer battle in MotoGP, where Ducati has dominated constructor standings in recent seasons. With Marquez committed until 2028, rival manufacturers face a formidable combination of machinery and talent to overcome.