Eight-Time World Champion Clarifies Relationship with Ducati Amidst Speculations
Marc Marquez, the eight-time grand prix world champion, has moved from Honda to join Gresini on a year-old Ducati for the 2024 MotoGP season. The shift came after Marquez’s 11-year partnership with Honda concluded following a challenging 2023 campaign. Despite Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna expressing hesitations before Marquez’s first test in Valencia, the rider insists he has never felt unwanted by Ducati.
During a press conference in Madrid, Marquez addressed the speculations, stating, “I’ve never had that feeling because if not, I wouldn’t have taken the step. You don’t go to a brand that doesn’t love you. I always try to avoid the headlines. I have always been very supported by Gresini; it gave me my time at all times. That’s why I took the step.”
Despite initial reservations from Ducati’s management, former sporting director Paolo Ciabatti, who has transitioned to helm Ducati’s off-road racing division, indicated that Marquez is a strong candidate for a factory team seat in 2025.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Marquez acknowledges that expectations are high but emphasizes the need to avoid the pressure. He stated, “Expectations are already very high. And one of my jobs this year, I also include Alex [Marquez], is to escape from all that. Expectations are high, but it’s as difficult as ever, even more so. I’m going to give it my all, you know me, but I can’t give expectations before starting the season.”
Marquez recognizes that adapting to the Ducati will be crucial, acknowledging the challenge of consistent performance across different circuits. He mentioned, “If a bike is good, the rider adapts more easily. But the great unknown of being fast is consistency. I can be fast on specific circuits, I think so. But I don’t know if I can be fast consistently on all of them. It’s the difference that [Francesco] Bagnaia and [Jorge] Martin make over riders who are fast but not constant.” As Marquez navigates this new chapter with Ducati, the MotoGP community eagerly anticipates his performance in the upcoming season.