Let’s talk MotoGP: Marc Marquez gave Ducati no choice – 1/2

With a little delay, Let's talk MotoGP today looks at the signature that shook the motorcycle world. Next year, Marc Marquez will join Pecco Bagnaia in the official Ducati team. Three weeks after this announcement, sometimes described as “the transfer of the century” by some observers, it is time to look into it. This will be done in two parts: today we will study the situation from Marquez's point of view. Tomorrow we will look at the choice of Ducati.

 

Winning bet

 

Marc Marquez knew he was legitimate. Right in the middle of the Italian Grand Prix, he clearly announced the color. He wanted to be a factory rider and nothing else, at Ducati, or elsewhere. And finally, his wish came true.

The way is a bit questionable, but that's the game. I saw a lot of criticism towards him for publicly putting pressure on his employer, whom he has only just joined, and with whom he has not yet gained anything. This contrasts with the approach of Jorge Martin who has been patient until now, and who was the most legitimate to join the reds. But we can't throw stones at him. I think that no pilot wants to return to the upper echelons of the MotoGP than Marc Marquez, his determination is flawless. This is one of his qualities, and also why he returned after his successive injuries from 2020 to early 2023.

 

 

His eight world titles give him more weight, in my opinion, than his start to the season. With Marquez, we judge potential more than results, and that is completely normal for a driver of his caliber. At the moment, he is significantly better than his colleagues in the GP23s, but significantly below Pecco Bagnaia, for example. The gaps in the championship reflect this difference that it is impossible to deny. In fact, the observation is similar. He has never beaten Jorge Martin on the track during a Grand Prix in 2024, but his rapid adaptation coupled with his extraordinary talent allow him to apply more or less anywhere. The fact that he is asking for this transfer does not seem inappropriate or pretentious to me. It's Marc Marquez we're talking about, one of the best of all time.

 

A tempting prospect

 

While it's impossible to know for sure what was said in the private discussions, we are sure of one thing. This signing was made in haste, and Ducati also had Jorge Martin in its sights. Marquez may not have been the first choice, in fact, but nonetheless remains an exceptional addition as we will see in detail tomorrow.

Now, how will all this translate on the track? In my opinion, and if his health allows it by then, he will be a candidate for the title. With a model dated 2023, he was able to tickle Pecco Bagnaia at Jerez, and to compete with him at Le Mans as well. Marc has adapted perfectly to the Desmosedici; despite his age (32), he will undoubtedly be among the favorites.

 

 

On the other hand, I don't see him changing the team. Unless there is a surprise, it will have no impact on Ducati's technical decisions, because he needs the firm much more than the other way around. Dall'Igna and the others know how to win without him. This is perhaps not worse, because its domination at Honda had led the Japanese to no longer focus on the development of new dynamics ; the RC213V has only regressed from 2018 to 2024 despite Marquez's successes. That's why I didn't expect it in the least, like many actors - perhaps him first -, in my defense.

It was difficult for me to understand the added value of Marquez as a factory driver, understand, to instill new areas of progression and development. I really saw Ducati keeping Pramac Racing at the top with the Marc Marquez argument, and thus, maintaining an extremely strong quartet while meeting everyone's expectations. He would have been good whatever happened with the best machine on the board. But he was even more ambitious, he managed to negotiate a better position. We can only congratulate him, all the lights are green.

 

 

Pecco Bagnaia in danger?

 

Reactions were quick to emerge regarding Pecco Bagnaia, his future teammate. Earlier, in the middle of the Italian Grand Prix, the reigning world champion admitted that he would prefer to keep Enea Bastianini at his side. This was a candid mistake, that should not have been said.. Already, because he knew full well that “Bestia” had no chance of keeping this handlebar. And also, because it gives foe to his adversaries, who may consider it as fear. He wanted to be too honest, and believe me, it pains me to blame him because I hate the commonplaces recited by pilots. He could have confined himself to his “No matter who is in the box, I will have to beat them” by which he completed his lucubration. But hey, whatever, elements of language don't win races.

Everyone agrees that it will be difficult for him to stay in the spotlight against Marc Marquez. From a psychological point of view, it's the truth. Marquez's weight is not easy to bear, especially since his aura allows him to assume certain privileges. I don't think he'll lay down the law, but in my mind, he is far from team player who puts the team before himself. Bagnaia is naturally reserved, which does not help his case regarding the various messages and signals sent here and there.

But on the track, I imagine Pecco stronger. In my opinion, the last time Marquez had to deal with a driver of this caliber was at the beginning of 2016 with Jorge Lorenzo. Marc will be there, without a doubt, and that lets us predict a great battle for the title which I imagine to be very balanced.. However, it is still a long way off; I will have the opportunity to talk to you about all this again if other elements are added to this theory.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is the best possible move for Marc Marquez, he played with the situation perfectly. Very aware of his environment, he did not hesitate to make his name known to interfere in these important conversations. The Spaniard is the big winner of this transfer period which is only just beginning.

What did you think of it? Was there a better place for him? Tell us in the comments! Part two is out! Click here now to find it!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.