Marc Marquez is working to recover from a serious shoulder injury in time for the 2026 MotoGP season, where Ducati will depend heavily on him for another title push amid uncertainty over Francesco Bagnaia’s form.
The 2026 campaign marks the final year of Marquez’s current Ducati contract. Given the success of their partnership, both sides may consider extending it, though Liberty Media are expected to push for Marquez’s return to Honda for the new 2027 regulations.
Marquez has already proven his ability to win outside of Honda machinery, and after taking a pay cut to join Ducati, he may seek a salary increase for his next deal. Honda, meanwhile, have maintained good relations with Marquez despite his departure and continue to improve on the technical side.
Ducati will require Marquez to decide which engine configuration he prefers for 2026, the last season before major rule changes.
According to MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley, Marquez possesses a unique skill that sets him apart from every rider on the grid: his extraordinary braking technique. Speaking on the Oxley Bom Podcast, Oxley explained that Ducati’s current engine configuration creates additional inertia, making the bike push into corners and increasing the risk of losing the front.
While most riders struggle in this scenario, Marquez remains unbothered.
“Marc doesn’t care,” Oxley said. “He can have the front tyre sliding and tucking, and he just rides through it. Anyone else would back off. That’s where Marc is different—no one else can do that.”
