Official confirmation from Austria: Alex Márquez to be a KTM works rider from 2027

What was no longer a secret has now been officially confirmed in the latest press release from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Alex Marquez is leaving the Ducati-powered Gresini team to join KTM. Marc Márquez’s younger brother has agreed a “multi-year” contract with racing director Pit Beirer. This means that, from 2027, the MotoGP runner-up will be riding the new RC16 – now with a displacement of just 850 cc – for at least two years. It is assumed that an option for further years forms part of the contract.

The signing of Alex Marquez represents the recruitment of a highly experienced GP rider. The younger Marquez is already competing in his 15th season. Incidentally, ‘AM73’ secured his first victory as a Moto3 rider in 2013 on a KTM – and the title in the smallest World Championship class a year later on a Honda. After also clinching the Moto2 title, he made his debut in the premier class at the start of the 2020 season.

However, following an unsuccessful debut season as an official Honda works rider alongside his brother (14th in the World Championship), he was demoted and moved to the LCR customer team. In sporting terms, the change did not initially represent a step up. In 2021 and 2022, Alex Márquez finished well behind his brother.

It was only with his move to the private Ducati customer team that Alex Márquez managed to emerge from his older brother’s shadow. The final breakthrough came in 2025. Although Alex was unable to beat Marc last season either, for much of the season there was simply no getting past Alex Márquez. His very strong season, which included six wins, was rewarded with the runners-up title – and now with his latest promotion to works rider.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director, on the new signing: “We are extremely proud and delighted to have secured an exceptional talent like Alex Marquez – the 2025 World Championship runner-up – for our project. Alex brings not only outstanding skill and racing intelligence, but also determination and a winning mentality that fits perfectly with our DNA. Together, we are pursuing a clear goal: to take the KTM RC16 to the next level and compete at the very front of MotoGP.”

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Even though the 2026 season has so far been less successful than last year – Alex Márquez currently sits ninth in the standings, even after a spell on the sidelines due to injury – the Spaniard is undoubtedly one of the series’ top riders. The first experienced winner is thus confirmed. Official confirmation of Fabio Di Giannantonio – currently Ducati’s most successful rider – is expected shortly.

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Foto: instagram Alex Marquez