Marc Marquez on the Factory Ducati? – “Definitely a Candidate”
Categories: MotoGP
Published: 11th December 2023
Following initial reluctance, his Gresini Racing move suddenly makes Marc Marquez a factory Ducati candidate for 2025.
Marc Marquez’s recent signing with Gresini Racing has placed him at the center of speculation for the coveted factory Ducati seat in the 2025 MotoGP season.
Despite initial reluctance from Ducati, the Italian manufacturer quickly warmed up to the uncompromising and victory-hungry Marquez after his sensational move to Gresini Racing for the 2024 season.
The transfer, finalized in mid-October after months of negotiations, left Ducati’s leadership in Borgo Panigale with mixed feelings. The addition of Marquez to an already star-studded lineup raised concerns about potential conflicts within the team.
Unlike teams like Pramac Racing, Gresini Racing operates as a customer team, allowing them complete autonomy in selecting their riders without Ducati’s direct influence.
Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna expressed initial reservations, stating, “The position of Ducati was always that we didn’t want Marc. But now I’m curious to see what he will say when he gets off the bike for the first time.”
Despite Ducati’s apprehensions, Marquez’s undeniable talent and hunger for victories could potentially lead to a significant shift in the Ducati hierarchy.
In an interview with ‘GPone,’ Ducati Sport Director Paolo Ciabatti hinted at the possibility of Marquez’s ascent within the Ducati ranks.
He acknowledged Marquez’s talent, expressing pride in having a champion like him on a Desmosedici. The Italian stated, “Since we haven’t finalized our rider lineup for 2025, I can confidently say that Marc will be one of the candidates for the factory team.”
"He Will Be One of the Candidates"
The Ducati leadership finds themselves caught between maintaining the existing hierarchies within their successful lineup and the opportunity to secure the services of the most successful MotoGP rider in the long term.
Ciabatti emphasized the need to navigate this delicate situation carefully, stating, “We all know Marc Marquez’s talent. As a Ducati man, it fills me with pride to see a champion like Marc on a Desmosedici.”
“Since we haven’t finalized our rider lineup for 2025, I can confidently say that Marc will be one of the candidates for the factory team.”
With contracts for all eight Ducati riders set to expire at the end of 2024, including the Marquez brothers at Gresini Racing, the competition for a spot in the factory team is expected to be intense.
While the renewal of world champion Francesco Bagnaia’s contract is seen as a formality, the battle for the seat alongside him is anticipated to be fierce.
Ciabatti acknowledged the potential risks, stating, “That is a risk we are fully aware of. I think of riders like Jorge Martin.”
“If a rider of his caliber doesn’t join our factory team, it could certainly attract the interest of other manufacturers. But he is not the only pilot.”
