Carlo Pernat Predicts Marc Marquez Will Retire at the End of 2027, Ducati Contract Through 2028 Under Threat
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- Carlo Pernat memprediksi Marc Marquez hanya akan bertahan satu musim lagi di MotoGP sebelum memutuskan gantung helm.
- Perubahan regulasi dan kepemilikan Liberty Media dinilai membebani fisik dan mental pembalap, memicu keinginan Marquez untuk pensiun dini.
- Kontrak Marquez bersama Ducati hingga 2028 berpotensi tidak terpenuhi jika tekanan paddock terus meningkat.
Marc Marquez is said to be set to end his MotoGP career sooner than expected. Paddock legend Carlo Pernat predicts the Spanish rider will race just one more season, in 2027, before deciding to retire even though his contract with Ducati runs through the end of 2028.
Pernat, who has been involved in racing since the 1970s, believes Marquez's decision is tied to the changing landscape of MotoGP under Liberty Media's ownership. According to him, the demands on riders are now heavier, especially with the packed schedule and new regulations that drain their energy.
“I think he will stay one more season next year because his contract is still there. But with everything that has happened since Liberty Media came in, Marc is one of those who wants to remove that distraction,” Pernat said on the Fast GPOne program, as quoted by Crash.
Pernat sees Marquez beginning to take on the role of spokesman for the riders. He said the eight-time world champion wants to retire in good physical condition, not under pressure. “He wants to reach retirement age from motorcycle racing in the next one or two years while still in top physical condition,” he added.
Pernat's concern is not unfounded. He highlighted the series of activities on Fridays and Saturdays and a total of 44 starts in one season. “With the new rules, Marc realizes life as a rider is no longer enjoyable. It is like an isolated life, and also very dangerous from a physical and mental standpoint,” he said.
Even so, Marquez's performance on track remains formidable. His win at the 2026 Malaysian MotoGP brought him closer to a 10th world championship title. Pernat did not hold back his praise. “Marc really delivered an almost decisive blow. He is like a creature from another planet who came in a spaceship and showed amazing things. As long as he is here, he will keep winning. After that, he will leave in his spaceship,” he said.
For Indonesia, this news is certainly a matter of particular interest. MotoGP has a large fan base in the country, and Marquez is one of its most popular icons. If he does retire early, the dynamics of the national racing industry—including broadcasting and event tourism—could be affected. Moreover, Indonesia has just successfully hosted the Mandalika MotoGP, which always draws huge crowds.
On the other hand, Pernat also mentioned the achievement of young Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama, who took second place at the 2026 Malaysian Moto3. This achievement is an oasis amid news of his idol's retirement. Veda, a rider from Gunungkidul, dedicated the result to his family and all his supporters.
If Marquez does hang up his helmet at the end of 2027, MotoGP will lose one of the most dominant riders of the modern era. Ducati will also have to prepare a replacement sooner. Meanwhile, fans in Indonesia and around the world still hope to watch the “creature from another planet” in action for a while longer. Will the contract through 2028 be fulfilled, or will paddock pressure force Marquez to end earlier?
