Alex Marquez will leave Gresini Racing for KTM at the start of MotoGP’s 850cc era in 2027, securing a factory rider contract he considered impossible to refuse.
State‑of‑the‑art Offer From KTM
After a rocky two-year stint with LCR, Marquez rebuilt his career at Gresini, earning a factory-spec bike when Ducati passed on promoting their own talent. KTM capitalised on the moment, offering the Spaniard a role that matched his ambition to lead a works project.
“I had this target set after finishing runner‑up last season,” he said to MotoGP.com. “With the 2027 rules coming, the upgraded factory team is essential. KTM came to me directly, saying, ‘we need you, we want you, we want you in our project.’”
Experience and the 850cc Challenge
Now 30 and with seven seasons in MotoGP, Marquez believes his track record prepares him for the demands of an 850cc powerplant and new tyre regulations. He stresses that his focus remains on speed and results, not engineering detail.
“I am a rider,” he explained, “my job is to be fast on track and lead the factory to podiums and victories.”
Money Isn’t the Motive
While factory teams typically pay higher salaries, Marquez clarified that financial gain was not the deciding factor. “The priority was the project, the people, and my dream of being a factory rider. Money was secondary.”
Leaving a Favourable Widow
Marquez joined Gresini in 2023, left a competitive bike and a healthier environment after years of struggles at Honda. He won a sprint in his first season with the team and secured a factory-spec bike the following year, only to find Ducati passed on his promotion to replace Francesco Bagnaia with Pedro Acosta from KTM.
“I’m sad to leave Gresini,” he confessed, recalling daily phone talks with team boss Nadia Padovani. “She was happy for me and said I deserved the opportunity.”
Next‑Era Pairs Up With Di Giannantonio
In the new 850cc layout, Marquez will team up with Ducati graduate Fabio di Giannantonio on KTM’s works squad, the second time he rides for a works team after his 2020 Honda debut.
Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz
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