Alex Marquez has been dealt a blow in his hopes of reuniting with his brother Marc Marquez at the Ducati factory team. Despite impressing on his older-spec Gresini Ducati, the possibility of Alex donning factory red is slim.
The Marquez brothers rode together at Gresini Ducati last season and briefly at Honda. However, that partnership ended when Marc moved up to the factory Ducati team this season, where he’s now dominating aboard the GP25 and chasing a ninth world title.
Surprisingly, it’s Alex — not Pecco Bagnaia — who has provided the stiffest competition to Marc, despite riding a less advanced machine. But according to pundits, Alex’s chances of joining the factory team are unrealistic.
“Yes, every part of him would love the factory seat alongside his brother,” said TNT Sports’ Michael Laverty. “But I don’t know if it’s a reality to displace an Italian champion in an Italian team.”
Former MotoGP rider Neil Hodgson added, “I’d be really surprised if Alex signs for the factory Ducati team. They’ll likely go for a younger rider than Alex, who is already 29.”
Meanwhile, Bagnaia continues to struggle with the GP25, a bike Marc has quickly mastered. VR46’s Fabio di Giannantonio, the third GP25 rider, has had mixed results, while the older GP24 riders — including Alex — have shown better consistency.
Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer, just 20, has also impressed with his first MotoGP podium and is seen as a future star for Ducati, which holds his contract.
Despite current rumors and speculation, Ducati seems set to continue backing Bagnaia alongside Marc Marquez, with the team unwilling to gamble on age or sentiment when planning its factory future.
