Alex Marquez to join factory KTM MotoGP team from 2027 season

Alex Marquez will become a factory KTM rider in MotoGP from the 2027 season after agreeing a deal with the Austrian manufacturer.

The Spaniard will leave Gresini Racing after four seasons with the team. His time with Gresini has been one of the strongest periods of his MotoGP career, as he claimed four Grand Prix victories and returned to fighting at the front after difficult years with Honda.

KTM moved quickly to sign Marquez after Pedro Acosta decided to join Ducati for 2027. The team believes Marquez's experience, consistency and technical feedback will be valuable as MotoGP introduces new 850cc bikes next season.

KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer welcomed the signing, saying Marquez has the speed, determination and racing knowledge needed to help the team move forward. He said KTM's aim is to build a bike capable of regularly competing for wins and challenging for the MotoGP title.

By the time he joins KTM, Marquez will be starting his eighth season in the premier class. During his MotoGP career, he will have raced for Honda, Ducati and KTM. The 2019 Moto2 World Champion has built a reputation as a fast and intelligent rider who works closely with engineers to improve his machinery.

Marquez is currently recovering from injuries that interrupted his recent campaign, but KTM expects him to be ready to begin an important new chapter with the factory squad in 2027.

The Austrian manufacturer is also expected to strengthen its line-up by signing Fabio Di Giannantonio. The Italian is set to leave the VR46 Ducati team and is widely expected to join KTM for the 2027 season.

While preparing for the future, KTM is also working to solve problems with its current MotoGP bike. The company recovered from major financial difficulties last year thanks to investment from Bajaj, allowing it to continue developing both its racing programme and future motorcycles.