Alex Marquez signs with KTM for 2027 after feeling overlooked by Ducati
Alex Marquez is heading into what looks like his final year with Gresini, having reportedly agreed to join the KTM factory team in 2027.
A big part of that move seems to stem from a feeling within Ducati that he wasn’t fully valued. Last season, he finished second in the championship, behind only his brother Marc, surprising plenty in the paddock.
With Pedro Acosta joining the factory side, Beirer’s team needed another top-tier rider. Across the garage, Maverick Vinales is also expected to make the jump from Tech3.
In 2025, Marquez took three Grand Prix wins – his first Sunday victories in MotoGP – along with three Sprint gold medals. His consistency stood out too: he made it onto the podium 26 times across 44 starts.
Alex Marquez felt overlooked by Ducati, chose KTM over Gresini stay
El Periodico reports that the younger Marquez brother felt “neglected, unloved and undervalued” by the Ducati management at Borgo Panigale.
This year, Marquez was given a factory-spec GP26 after Ducati reversed their initial plan to upgrade Fermin Aldeguer’s equipment.
However, despite his impressive form last season, Marquez was never seriously considered for a factory ride. That played a big role in why he was open to KTM’s offer.
The wider paddock sees Alex as one of only two genuine threats to Marc’s title this season. Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi is the other. And there’s a growing sense that 2025 wasn’t just a one-off.
Alex Marquez explains his decision to leave Gresini for KTM
Speaking ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix, Marquez again suggested he was still weighing up his options, though many believe his decision has already been made.
While there is a strong ‘sentimental attachment to Gresini’, who have helped him to transform his reputation since he left the Honda set-up in 2022, he feels it’s the right time in his career to take a ‘risk’.
“So, if there’s ever a time to take a risk, it’s now, but there’s also a sentimental attachment to Gresini that I find difficult,” he said via AS.
“I have to think rationally about my future and we’ll see, but as I said, I’m 30 years old; if I don’t do it now, I won’t. We have to weigh everything up and see which way it tips.”
This week saw Ducati extend Aldeguer’s contract through 2028. He is expected to stay with Gresini as part of that deal.
If those links fade completely Fabio Di Giannantonio could return. He currently rides a Ducati at VR46 but could be persuaded by Gresini back into their fold.
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