Janice R. Andrews
Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP world champion, described his first day with Ducati’s factory team as “comfortable and calm.” Testing the Ducati GP25 during an official session in Barcelona on Tuesday, Marquez showcased a strong start to his new chapter in MotoGP.
Promising Performance with Ducati
Marquez completed 49 laps, alternating between the championship-winning GP24 and the development-focused GP25, which he will ride in 2025. His fastest lap, clocking in at 1m39.454s, placed him fourth overall in the seven-hour session. This solid debut underscored his quick adaptation to Ducati’s machinery and team environment.
Reflecting on the move, Marquez shared, “Leaving Honda was a risky bet, but joining Ducati’s factory team was the best decision. From the start, I felt very at ease and confident.”
Adjusting to Factory Operations
The Barcelona test also helped Marquez transition to Ducati’s factory team dynamics after spending a year with Gresini on the GP23. He noted a significant shift in the team’s approach, praising the structured and detailed run plan that defines factory-level operations.
“Today was about adapting to how a factory team works—strict plans, purposeful tests, and providing precise feedback to the engineers,” Marquez explained.
He also credited the team for creating a positive environment, highlighting his familiarity with many of the engineers from earlier in his career.
Strengthening Team Bonds
This test marked Marquez’s first official collaboration with Ducati’s team manager, Davide Tardozzi. Once rivals during Marquez’s Honda days, their dynamic has evolved into a productive partnership.
“Davide focuses more on the sporting side, while today we emphasized technical aspects. The team has been exceptional, and I’ve enjoyed working with people I’ve known for over a decade,” Marquez said.
Looking Ahead
The Barcelona session was a critical step for Marquez as he prepares for the 2025 MotoGP season. He revealed that 90% of the day’s work was focused on refining the GP25, which has already shown great potential.
Marquez’s smooth integration into Ducati’s factory setup has raised anticipation for the coming season. His strong performance, coupled with Ducati’s proven track record, has fans eager to see what this partnership will bring to MotoGP.
With Marquez’s skill and Ducati’s expertise, this collaboration has the potential to reshape the championship landscape.
