In a paddock where every rider dreams of shining, one man stands above the rest: Marc Marquez. The Spaniard, now wearing red at Ducati, is writing a new chapter in his legend. For better or worse in the sport? A question Carmelo Ezpeleta is asking himself…
À 32 years, the champion with the intense gaze is experiencing a renaissance. A master in the art of taming the Desmosedici GP25, he has become almost untouchable. Thirteen victories out of eighteen races — including sprints — punctuate his season. He has opened up a gap of 40 points over his brother Alex and left Francis Bagnaia 110 points behind him. The dream of a seventh world title is getting closer, and with it the prospect of equalizing Valentino Rossi in the legend.
To Davide Tardozzi, respected boss at Ducati, it is not only the pilot who impresses, but also the man: " From the first day, Marc blew me away. He's straightforward, no-nonsense. All he cares about is the track." .
This humility contrasts with the tumult it generates. Because if Marquez While he flies around the track, he also upsets the balance of MotoGP. His dominance is such that it almost triggers unease among some observers.
Marc Marquez or the king's boredom at the time of Liberty Media's arrival
Even legends worry about it. Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 world champion, puts it bluntly: "Seeing Marc dominate like this is... boring. He's too far above the rest. And yet, the criticism is paradoxical. Not long ago, fans and promoters were demanding a star. Now that they have one, the same question comes up: where's the suspense?"
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the big boss of Dorna, almost sighs in the face of this schizophrenia of the public. Questioned by El Pais, he says: " It's strange. When 14 different drivers were winning, I was told we were missing a star. And now that Marc is dominating, it's the opposite. »
Ezpeleta, aware of the importance of stars but also of the attraction of a balanced line-up, knows that he is walking a tightrope.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, there is a lot of activity. Liberty Media, the American giant that already owns F1, has finalized its acquisition of MotoGP. With one ambition: to transform the championship into a global spectacle, as they did with the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
Rumors are already circulating: Massimo rivola, current boss ofAprilia, could become the new CEO of the MotoGPThe project is colossal. Between the domination of Ducati — no other brand's motorcycle has yet reached the podium in a sprint this season — and the financial precariousness of young riders, there is a lot to do. Jack Miller was recently outraged at the underpaid rookies, another symptom of the imbalances in the paddock.
Marc Marquez, he continues his work. Each turn, each braking at the limit, pushes the boundaries of the ordinary a little further. Mark Rigamonti, his team leader, knows: " If he completely masters right turns, Marc can become unbeatable again. »
And to Assen everyone is asking: the fury Marquez Will she find a worthy opponent? Or will we witness a lone rider to the finish line... and to the title?
Because under the red helmet, behind that legendary number 93, there is a man on a mission. And until that mission is completed, the MotoGP will live to the rhythm of Marc Marquez — whether you like it… or not.
