Marquez: “I Feel Reborn After the 2024 Season with Gresini, Like in Moto2”

Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has described his transformative year with Gresini Racing as a pivotal moment in his career, one that has left him feeling “reborn.” As Marquez prepares to move to the Ducati factory team in 2025, he expressed deep gratitude to Gresini for providing the environment he needed to rediscover his competitive edge.

A New Chapter with Gresini

Marquez’s journey to Gresini began in 2024 after a dramatic departure from Honda, a team he had been with for 11 years. The decision to leave, despite having a year left on his contract, was fueled by the need for change following several injury-plagued seasons and an increasingly uncompetitive Honda bike.

Switching to a satellite team with an older-spec GP23 Ducati, Marquez faced an initial steep learning curve. However, his determination paid off as he quickly adapted, securing three race wins and finishing the season third overall in the championship standings. This resurgence not only revitalized his career but also secured him a coveted factory Ducati seat for 2025.

The Role of Gresini in His Revival

Marquez was effusive in his praise for Gresini, emphasizing how their familial and supportive atmosphere played a critical role in his success. “Gresini became incredibly important to my career in just one year. They provided the perfect environment for me to feel competitive again,” he said. Working alongside his brother, Alex Marquez, and under the leadership of Nadia Padovani, the team created a dynamic that reminded him of his earlier days in Moto2.

“It felt like a family,” Marquez explained. “The environment was less rigid, more personal, and that made a big difference. I could speak directly to Nadia, discuss ideas, and get immediate feedback. It’s a level of intimacy you don’t often find in a factory setup.”

The Gresini Advantage

Despite being a satellite team, Gresini’s streamlined operations allowed them to punch above their weight. Unlike larger factory teams such as Honda or even Ducati’s Pramac and VR46, Gresini functions with minimal corporate oversight, focusing purely on racing.

Marquez reflected on how this small-team mentality helped him rediscover his passion for racing: “Being with Gresini reminded me of my Moto2 days. It’s about the love of racing. The team is professional but also relaxed, which helps in high-pressure situations.”

A Springboard for Future Success

Marquez also highlighted Gresini’s long-standing legacy and technical expertise as crucial factors. “They have a deep history in racing, and their ability to handle various situations is unparalleled. Having a good bike in a satellite team, like the one I had this year, shows that you can achieve amazing results. Gresini has proven this time and again.”

As Marquez transitions to Ducati’s factory team, he carries forward the momentum and confidence built during his time with Gresini. For Marquez, the 2024 season was not just about results but also about reigniting his passion and laying the groundwork for another championship push in 2025.

“I’ll always be grateful to Gresini for giving me the platform to rebuild and rediscover my love for the sport,” Marquez concluded.