In a surprising turn of events, Marc Marquez, the MotoGP legend with eight championship titles under his belt, recently revealed his upcoming switch to Ducati for the 2025 season.
This announcement, made public ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, marked a significant shift from Ducati’s initial plan to promote Jorge Martin. Marquez’s decision to join Ducati comes full circle after a challenging 2023 season.
Last year at Assen, following a string of crashes and a disappointing performance on his Honda, retirement seemed a real possibility for the then 30-year-old rider.
However, the prospect of joining Gresini Ducati emerged, reigniting his competitive spirit and paving the way for this exciting move to the Italian powerhouse.
Against all odds, a rider’s career has taken a dramatic turn, landing him a coveted spot on the factory Ducati team for the 2025 season.
This remarkable rise comes after a stellar performance in the current season, where he’s secured an impressive eight podium finishes in just the first seven rounds.
His emotions were palpable at Assen, where he openly expressed his deep appreciation to Ducati Corse for selecting him to race alongside Pecco Bagnaia. Just a year ago, contemplating retirement seemed like a real possibility.
However, the summer break proved to be a turning point, offering much-needed time to reassess his options. He credits Honda for their understanding and their role in facilitating his move to the Gresini team.
This switch reignited his passion for racing the Gresini team’s vibrant atmosphere and a renewed confidence in the bike played a key role. His impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed, and Ducati quickly identified him as a strong contender for their factory seat.
The official confirmation came shortly after the Mugello race. While his initial goal was to either secure a works bike with Gresini or join the factory Ducati team, he’s now fully committed to giving his all as a factory rider.
The details of his crew for next season are yet to be finalized, but he confirmed that his long-time tire technician, Javi Ortiz, will be by his side. The one-year deal he signed with Gresini was a strategic move, ensuring flexibility and avoiding potential conflicts with sensitive team information in the event of a manufacturer switch.