Marc Marquez has given an interesting perspective on the dominance of Ducati in MotoGP after his first experience testing with the factory Ducati team. After years of competing against them, Marquez’s trial with the GP25 in a post-season test revealed a lot about why Ducati has been so successful in recent years.
A First Look at Ducati’s Winning Formula
Marquez, who is switching from his Gresini Ducati bike to the factory Ducati team for the upcoming 2025 season, shared his initial impressions after testing the GP25 during a one-day session following the final race of the year. His comments reflect the deep admiration he has for Ducati’s methodical and highly effective approach.
“The first day working with the factory team is always shocking because there are so many new people to meet,” Marquez said. “But above all, I really like their method. In competition, it’s action, reaction, action, reaction. And that’s what I saw at Ducati.”
Marquez also expressed that he began to understand why Ducati has been so successful in recent years. He had been fighting against them for years and was finally able to experience firsthand the level of precision and innovation behind their race-winning machines.
“I started to understand why they win. I’ve been fighting against them for many years, and they’ve created an incredible bike,” Marquez continued. He also pointed to Gigi Dall’Igna, the Ducati Technical Director, and emphasized how his leadership is supported by a highly efficient and talented team behind him.
Visiting Borgo Panigale and Preparing for 2025
This week, Marquez visited Borgo Panigale, the headquarters of Ducati, for the first time as an official Ducati rider. It was a crucial visit as he prepares for the 2025 MotoGP season, where he will partner with Pecco Bagnaia in the factory team. Marquez was quick to note that his trip was aimed at understanding Ducati’s methods in more detail to better prepare for the upcoming season.
“I was there last year as well, but this year, I’ve received fantastic support from Ducati,” Marquez said. “I’m here to prepare well for 2025, to understand the methods, and to know what I’ll encounter during a race weekend.”
Marquez also acknowledged that joining Ducati places him in a different situation compared to previous seasons. Both he and Bagnaia will be riding identical bikes, which are considered some of the best in MotoGP. This sets up a competitive dynamic where both riders will be striving for the title.
The Dynamic Between Marquez and Bagnaia
One of the most fascinating aspects of Marquez’s switch to Ducati is the relationship he will have with Pecco Bagnaia, who has been a dominant force for Ducati in recent years. While Marquez has consistently beaten all his previous teammates, racing alongside a rider like Bagnaia presents a unique challenge.
Marquez recognized the quality and skill of his new teammate, saying, “I come to a garage that has won many races in recent years, and I bring a clear reference inside, which is Pecco, who has won two titles and fought for the third title until the very end.”
This competitive relationship will be crucial in shaping the success of Ducati in 2025. Both riders will be pushing each other to their limits, with the ultimate goal being to bring home the championship. Marquez admitted that he will need to quickly adapt to the new team dynamics and to Ducati’s approach.
A Clear Goal for Ducati: One Rider Wins, The Other Follows
Ducati’s approach to 2025 is clear: they want a champion. Marquez acknowledged that Ducati’s goal is for either him or Bagnaia to win the title. He said, “If Pecco doesn’t win, I will win. If I don’t win, Pecco will. That’s the goal of the team. Ultimately, what Ducati wants is a winner, whether it’s one rider or the other.”
He continued, emphasizing that Ducati’s priority is the championship: “In the Ducati garage, the first name to be mentioned is Pecco because he’s been here for many years and has won many races.”
Despite the intense competition, Marquez is committed to giving his 100% and is looking forward to adapting to Ducati’s working methods. This collaboration with Ducati, along with the fierce rivalry with Bagnaia, promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2025 MotoGP season.
As Marquez prepares for this new chapter in his career, it’s clear that he’s fully aware of the challenges ahead but is also ready to take on the fight for the title with Ducati’s dominant machine and a teammate who is as hungry for success as he is.
