Ducati has confirmed that it has acquired Marc Marquez for the 2025 and 2026 MotoGP seasons.
The Bologna brand has confirmed the eight-times World Champion has joined on a two-year contract that will see him join forces with two-times World Champion Francesco Bagnaia from next season in what will be the most decorated line-up on the grid.
Marc Márquez, who joined Gresini Racing Ducati this year after a decade with Honda, said: "I am very happy to be able to wear the red colours of the factory Ducati team in MotoGP next season.
“Basically, from the first contact with the Desmosedici GP, I enjoyed riding it and adapted well straight away. From that moment on, I knew that my goal was to continue this path, to continue to grow, and to move to the team where Pecco Bagnaia has been the World Champion for two years in a row.
“I am happy to be able to take this big step in 2025 and grateful for the trust Ducati has placed in me.
“Finally, I want to thank Nadia, Carlo, Michele, and the entire Gresini Racing family for opening the door of their team to me at a delicate time in my career. Now, we will continue to have fun and give it our all in what remains of the current season, which is my priority right now."
Marquez will arrive in the Ducati Lenovo Team in place of Enea Bastianini, who is expected to join the Tech3 GasGas team. Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin, who currently leads the MotoGP riders’ standings, was also in the frame for the ride, but he has signed for Aprilia.
Gigi Dall'Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, said: "First of all, I want to thank both Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martín for all their work with us over the last few years, and I wish them all the best for the future. This season, they have shown they have reached an incredible level, and we are sure they will be in the title fight until the end.
“Deciding on Bagnaia's new teammate in the Ducati Lenovo Team was not easy, as we had a list of very strong riders to choose from. In the end, our choice fell on an unquestionable talent like Marc Márquez.
“In just a few races, he has managed to adapt perfectly to our Desmosedici GP, and his innate ambition pushes him to grow continuously. In the box, we will have two riders who together hold 11 World Titles, and being able to count on their experience and maturity will be invaluable for our growth as well.”
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