After an impressive 11-year tenure with the Repsol Honda team, which saw him clinch six titles but endure a victory drought since 2021, Marquez made a significant move to Gresini this season with hopes of accessing a more competitive Ducati bike.
The transition to the Italian, family-run Gresini outfit marked a departure from the corporate environment of Honda, offering Marquez a more congenial setting to flourish after a decade with a factory team.
This shift has translated into fewer media and sponsorship obligations for the Spaniard, affording him more quality time away from the track with his family.
Acknowledging the contrasting operational styles between Gresini and Honda, Marquez stresses that the pressure to excel and deliver significant results remains unchanged, even within a non-factory setup.
“The pressure remains constant because both riders and teams strive for podium finishes. It’s the shared objective of this team,” Marquez explained. “Standing on the podium is a step up from finishing in the top five, and winning a race surpasses even that. So, while we enjoy a lighter atmosphere and share jokes, it doesn’t mean we lack pressure or ambition.”
“Our ambition mirrors that of a factory team because our purpose here is to vie for the best possible outcome. However, there’s a noticeable difference in team size and a more familial vibe,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of team dynamics, Marquez emphasized, “A positive team atmosphere is invaluable. While the atmosphere at Repsol Honda was commendable, there’s undoubtedly a cultural contrast between Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and American environments. Any atmosphere thrives when accompanied by favorable results.”
Marquez achieved his maiden podium on the Ducati during the Portuguese Grand Prix’s sprint race, storming from eighth to second place. However, a top-five finish in the subsequent grand prix was thwarted by a contentious collision with factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia. Though deemed a racing incident, Marquez attributed blame to the double world champion.
Expressing regret over the incident, Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna deemed it “very unfortunate.”
