Marc Marquez’s First Day in Red: “Now, I Know Why Ducati Win Everything”
After his first day in the factory Ducati team at the post-season test in Barcelona, Marc Marquez reveals "why Ducati win everything".
Joining the factory Ducati squad for 2025 couldn’t have come at a better time for Marc Marquez. Switching to the Italian manufacturer at the height of its dominance will see the Spaniard face a challenge he never had to face before – fighting against a clear number one teammate. Ducati has made it clear that Bagnaia remains the reference point.
“It’s a situation I’ve never experienced before, arriving at a box where there is a status, and the one who has the leading voice is Pecco. He’s the one who has won two titles for Ducati, and he must set the tone at the beginning of the season and in pre-season. We will work to get closer to him, but he’s the benchmark.”
“Now, I feel it’s time to keep a low profile.” Still, Ducati’s expectations for Marquez are clear – victories and championship contention. “I must quickly adapt to this new team. If Pecco doesn’t win, I win. If I don’t win, Pecco wins. That’s the goal of this team. It’s their golden era.”
Despite the clear hierarchy, Marquez remains determined to challenge for the title. “If the title can be stolen from him, it will be stolen. However, it won’t just be a championship between Pecco and me. It’s not just Ducati that’s racing; we have to see how the others will develop.”
“Jorge [Martin] and Marco [Bezzecchi] have won races, and Pedro Acosta with KTM has been close. We will try to give 100%, but I know it will be very difficult, and everything has to be perfect to win a world championship.”
“We’ve seen all the numbers this season. They won every race except one. If I hadn’t made a mistake in Austin, they would have won them all. I’m here at the right time in my sporting career.”
For Marquez, joining Ducati also marks an opportunity to rebuild his connection with the Italian MotoGP fans. “The relationship with the Italian fans had some difficult moments recently, but it’s getting better every time.”
“I’ve always tried to remain professional, and that’s what I’ve always done. Racing for an Italian team like Gresini brought back trust. Now, I’m with an Italian manufacturer, and I’m sure it will be a good relationship.”
For the Spaniard, the 2024 season with Gresini Racing was a pivotal year. “I thought I’d never come back, but instead, I’m competitive, and with the right bike, I can win races.”
“That’s what I’ve learned, and it’s very important. I’ve learned to believe in myself,” Marquez explained. “It feels like yesterday when I arrived as a 20-year-old rookie, and now I’m one of the most experienced. I like that. Everyone has their own career and story.”
