MotoGP champion Marquez extends Ducati deal

Marc Marquez (above) won the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday as Marco Bezzecchi served a one-race suspension

>Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has extended his contract with Ducati until 2028.

>The 33-year-old Spaniard joined the team in 2024 and last year won his seventh title - his first since 2019.

>"I continue to compete because I love this sport and I want to achieve even more ambitious goals. I'm convinced this is the right place to do it," said Marquez.

>He heads into this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix trailing championship leader Marco Bezzecchi by 40 points after the start of his season was hampered by injury.

>Marquez secured his 100th career victory across all classes with a commanding win in the Hungarian Grand Prix this month, less than a month after shoulder and foot surgery.

>He followed it up with victory in Sunday's Czech Grand Prix.

>"I'm super happy with this new agreement with the Ducati Lenovo Team and to continue being part of this family," Marquez said.

>"With this renewal, they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision."

>Champion Marquez ends season early through injury