KTM announces Alex Marquez as first signing of new MotoGP era

KTM has revealed its first signing ahead of the 850cc MotoGP era, with Alex Marquez joining the factory team from Gresini Racing.

Robert Jones

06 Jul 2026

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KTM has revealed the first half of its all-new 2027 factory MotoGP line-up, with Alex Marquez replacing Pedro Acosta following the Spaniard’s switch to Ducati.

Marquez is expected to be joined by fellow Ducati rider Fabio di Giannantonio, who will replace Brad Binder. Things are a bit more unclear at the Tech3 KTM team, although Maverick Vinales could be retained alongside a rookie from Moto2. Luca Marini has also been rumoured as a potential candidate for one of the those seats, while current Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini has been linked with a switch to Trackhouse Aprilia.

While MotoGP’s musical chairs game is set to continue, Marquez is the first KTM rider officially confirmed for next season.

Alex Marquez with Aki Ajo, Pit Beirer and Jens Heinbach.

Winner of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez earlier this season, Marquez has been one of the most in-form riders since the start of 2025, which includes finishing runner-up to his brother, Marc Marquez, last season.

Speaking about the team’s signing of Marquez, Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, said this:

“We are extremely proud and happy 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 race intelligence but also determination and a winning mindset that perfectly matches our DNA. Together we share a clear objective: to take the KTM RC16 to the next level and fight at the very front of MotoGP.”

Following the recent announcement of the new commercial agreement between MotoGP and its manufacturers, rider signings have since been confirmed at a rapid rate. It started with Marc Marquez being retained at the Lenovo Ducati team, before Acosta was confirmed alongside the nine-time world champion.

Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia racing at Assen.

Francesco Bagnaia was then announced at Aprilia Racing for next season, before Yamaha revealed its factory line-up, with Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura replacing Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins.