Marc Marquez could be just five races from retirement.

That’s according to MotoGP race winner Marco Melandri, who thinks a tenth championship would be enough for the legend to call it quits.

Marquez regularly spoke about his time in the sport coming to an end at the start of the season amid more injury troubles that culminated in a teary Le Mans exit and double surgery.

Since then, he’s performed yet another remarkable title turnaround and is considered by most as the 2026 championship favourite.

During that time there were two other key developments - Marquez signed a new contract, and got a new teammate for 2027 in the shape of Pedro Acosta.

According to Melandri, that latter factor could play a huge part in what happens this winter.

Pedro Acosta emerges as key factor in Marquez retirement prediction

The five-time MotoGP race winner said: "For me, if Marquez wins his tenth World Championship, he could retire.

"Nobody can know for sure. But Ducati needs a plan B, which it doesn't have right now.

“Marquez knows that Acosta, his future teammate, can beat him. He's the first teammate who could achieve that, and it could happen.

“Furthermore, he's following the political and regulatory changes brought about by Liberty Media, with their events and the new format. There are many factors in favour of him retiring if he wins tenth time.”

Marquez signed a two-year extension with Ducati for 2027 and 2028, but it later emerged that it was a ‘1+1 deal’ meaning 2028 is an option both parties would speak about at the end of next season.

Many think Acosta could push Marquez to retire (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)

Marquez's Ducati contract may not guarantee his long-term future

Next year brings about a string of regulation changes, including smaller engines, less aerodynamics and Pirelli tyres.

It also sees a record 22 events and the introduction of a second qualifying session, something Marquez has publicly criticised.

He’s also spoken out against Liberty Media bringing in fines for riders who fail to show up for promotional events.

Adding his voice to the complaints about the new rules, Marquez claimed they will bring forward the end of his career.

Recently speaking about his future, the 33-year-old also suggested he could retire in the next few years.

What Marquez has said about leaving MotoGP

In an interview with MotoGP, he commented: "I'm here and competing because, for now, I haven't thrown in the towel mentally.

"I've already achieved a lot, but I still feel competitive. And I know that, if I want to, I can remain competitive for a few more years.

"But we're not in a sport like football or tennis, where you give 100 per cent, although the risk is much lower.

"So, there are many factors to consider in MotoGP before retiring. Is it closer than yesterday? Yes. But when? I don't know.”

How Marquez's tenth title would change his place in MotoGP history

Finishing the season with a title win would lift him to ten for his career, above long-time rival Valentino Rossi and up to joint first in premier class championships with eight.

Melandri, a long-time rival of Rossi, refused to put his compatriot on the same level as Marquez, and instead referenced the man currently top of the record books, Giacomo Agostini.

He commented: "I can't compare him to Agostini because he has the best track record and he did things that are impossible now, like winning two titles at the same time.

“But Marquez spent four years away, and now you see him fighting for his tenth... He's approaching Agostini's records, and that's already special.”

Grand Prix motorcycle racing world champions by rider