The reigning eight-time Grand Prix world champion, Marc Marquez, has inked a one-year deal with Gresini for the 2024 season, a move that sets the stage for a pivotal shift in the rider market next year.
Amid speculation about Marquez’s future, Ducati’s management has kept the door open for a potential signing in 2025. However, the recent contract extensions of Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning double world champion, and rising Moto2 star Fermin Aldeguer have limited the available factory Desmosedici seats.
Despite the whirlwind of rider market activity anticipated in 2024, Marquez remains steadfastly focused on the present. When questioned about his future ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, he emphasized his current priorities.
“My situation is markedly different from before,” Marquez remarked. “Previously, by December, I’d have already sealed a deal for the following year. But now, I feel no urgency. My sole focus is on giving my best performance on the track.”
He continued, “I believe that if I perform well and enjoy what I’m doing, more opportunities will naturally arise. At this moment, I prefer not to speculate. Instead, I aim to concentrate on my performance—reflecting on my performance in Qatar and gearing up for the challenges here.”
Acknowledging the unfamiliarity of the upcoming race at Portimao, Marquez maintained that his approach remains consistent with that of Qatar. However, he acknowledged the unique challenge of adapting quickly to a new circuit with minimal prior experience.
“The approach for this weekend mirrors that of Qatar,” Marquez affirmed. “Yet, the added element of entering a new circuit during race weekend alters our strategy slightly. We must hit the ground running from FP1, striving for competitive lap times. This was the most challenging aspect during testing in Malaysia and Qatar.”
Reflecting on his debut with Ducati in Qatar, where he secured a commendable fourth-place finish, Marquez expressed a desire to replicate his performance in Portugal. Despite the uncertainties, he remains resolute in his commitment to delivering his best on the track, aware of the fierce competition ahead.
“As we navigate this entirely different race track, my goal remains consistent—to secure a top-10 position early on and advance to QP2,” Marquez concluded. “Each race presents its unique set of challenges, and I’m prepared to tackle them head-on.”
