Gresini reveals new MotoGP design for Marquez’s debut season with Ducati in 2024
Marc Marquez: A New Chapter with Gresini Ducati
In a surprising turn of events, eight-time grand prix world champion Marc Marquez has embarked on a new MotoGP campaign outside the factory Honda organization for the first time since 2013. Faced with struggles due to the lack of competitiveness in his Honda machine during the 2023 season, Marquez made the bold decision to end his HRC contract prematurely and sign up with Gresini Ducati.
This move has been making waves in headlines ever since it was announced last October. The anticipation surrounding Marquez’s debut test on the Ducati bike in Valencia only heightened this attention. Despite contractual limitations preventing him from speaking to the media afterward, he managed an impressive fourth overall and was just 0.171 seconds off the best pace.
Afterward, Marquez underwent surgery for an arm pump issue that had affected him throughout the latter half of last season. Now, as we enter January, he is finally able to speak openly about his transition from Honda to Ducati.
During a recent interview with DAZN, Marquez revealed that he adapted quicker than expected during that initial test ride on the Ducati. Brushing aside previous comments made by Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna indicating they didn’t want him on their team, Marquez expressed confidence in never feeling unwanted.
One challenge faced by Marquez is not being able to bring most of his core crew over from Honda to Gresini. Fortunately, tyre technician Javi Ortiz will be joining him at his new team along with experienced crew chief Frankie Carchedi who previously worked alongside Joan Mir and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Another significant development is that Marquez will now be teammates with his younger brother Alex Marquez, marking the first time they have competed together since their days at the factory Honda squad back in 2020. The move to Gresini proved fruitful for Alex last year, as he secured two sprint race victories and had a solid campaign overall.
Gresini also had its share of success in 2023 when Di Giannantonio won a grand prix at Qatar GP. However, uncertainty loomed over Di Giannantonio’s future after Marc Marquez took his seat for the upcoming season. As a result, Di Giannantonio will now be racing for VR46 Ducati while Luca Marini takes up the reins alongside Honda as Marquez’s replacement.