Marc Márquez extends Ducati deal, Pedro Acosta joins as teammate for 2027, and Marco Bezzecchi issues fresh apology for marshal strike

Bezzecchi reflects on Brno sanction

Marco Bezzecchi, the MotoGP championship leader, has spoken again about the incident in Brno where he struck a marshal after crashing in the sprint race. The Italian Aprilia rider was suspended from Sunday's Grand Prix, a sanction he says he fully accepts.

It was a very bad gesture on my part, and I didn't handle the situation properly. I felt terrible, and still feel quite bad, not only for myself but for my team, the factory and the championship, and above all for the marshal involved.

Bezzecchi described the days since as some of the toughest of his career and said he wants to use the experience to become a better person. He still holds first place in the standings, but Marc Márquez closed the gap to 40 points after his win in Brno.

Ducati locks in its 2027 lineup

Ducati officially announced that Marc Márquez has renewed his contract for two more years, through 2028, and that Pedro Acosta will join him at the factory team from next season. The moves, which had been an open secret in the paddock, were made possible after the long‑negotiated 'Pacto de la Concordia' framework was finalised.

I'm super happy to announce the renewal of my contract with Ducati for two more years. I'm mentally ready and physically I'm progressing. It meant a lot that Ducati continued to believe in me even when I was injured.

The double announcement also confirms the departure of two‑time champion Francesco Bagnaia, who will leave for Aprilia, making room for a Spanish dream team of Márquez and rookie star Acosta.

Acosta's 'biggest challenge'

Pedro Acosta, the young Murcian currently at KTM, called the move to Ducati the greatest challenge of his career. He sees it as an opportunity to learn from one of the sport's most decorated riders.

It's an honour to share a team with Marc. He is almost at the end of his career and I'm just starting mine, so I'll try to learn everything I can from his experience. It's the biggest challenge I've faced.

Acosta said he does not need to be friends with his future teammate, and that rivalry will only appear when both are fighting for a title. For now, he is focused on finishing his 2026 season with KTM, still aiming for a first MotoGP victory.

Bagnaia's passing advice

During the Assen press conference, Pecco Bagnaia was asked what advice he would give Acosta about sharing a garage with Márquez. His reply drew laughs from the riders on stage.

Marc is not a monster. You can easily have a good relationship with him. Or at least I hope he isn't a monster!

Bagnaia, who leaves the red box after two titles, welcomed Acosta as a great signing for Ducati and said the Murcian is a talented, fast, and fresh rider who will strengthen the team.

A reshaped 2027 grid

The Dutch Grand Prix at Assen, the tenth round of the season, has become the stage where MotoGP's future takes sharper form. The 'Pacto de la Concordia' governing the 2027–2031 period, combined with a new technical regulation, has triggered the most significant rider market moves in years. The agreements announced this week bring clarity to the factory Ducati and Aprilia seats, and with several top riders locked in, attention now turns to the remaining gaps on the 2027 grid.