Ducati Corse, the racing arm of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati, has confirmed an agreement with Marc Márquez, the eight-time world champion, for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, marking a significant development in the realm of motorcycle racing.

Presently, Marquez is competing for the Gresini Racing MotoGP team, showcasing his formidable skills to the Ducati satellite team. At the end of the 2024 season, the current Gresini Racing rider will replace Enea Bastianini and partner with the reigning premier-class World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia.

Despite his win drought, which dates back to his last victory with Honda at Misano in 2021, Marquez has secured three Grand Prix podium finishes and consistently challenged the factory GP24s astride his older GP23. Such performances prompted Ducati to prioritize Marquez over title leader Jorge Martin.

Martin, who appeared to be the frontrunner for the factory Ducati seat before Mugello, sealed a deal with Aprilia on Monday. This move underscores Marquez’s influence in the championship, as within just four days, he managed to sway Ducati’s top brass.

“I am very happy to be able to wear the red colours of the factory Ducati team in MotoGP next season,” Marquez said. “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 Francesco 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 [Padovani], Carlo [Merlini], Michele [Masini], 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.”