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Marc Marquez Reflects on Revitalized Career with Gresini Racing
MotoGP rider Marc Marquez has expressed a sense of renewal after his move to Gresini Racing, crediting the team for playing a pivotal role in reigniting his competitive spirit. Following his departure from Honda, where he had one year remaining on his contract, Marquez transitioned to Ducati’s satellite team, Gresini, for the current season, despite racing on the older GP23 model.
Although the beginning of the season was challenging, the Spanish racer demonstrated impressive speed right from the start in March. As the season progressed, particularly after the summer intervals, he secured three victories and concluded the championship in third place. This performance not only marked a significant turnaround for Marquez but also facilitated his acquisition of a factory seat with Ducati for the 2025 season, positioning him to contend for the championship title next year, a first in five years.
Marquez acknowledged the necessity of a supportive environment to recuperate from a challenging final chapter with Honda, which was marred by a severe injury and an underperforming motorcycle. “Gresini became a super important team in my career in just one year. I found the perfect atmosphere to be reborn, as they say on social media, and feel competitive once again,” he stated.
He lauded the familial atmosphere of Gresini, emphasizing the significance of having his brother, Alex, as a teammate. “They always worked collaboratively, and it’s a team that is extremely professional, allowing you to achieve your goals,” Marquez added.
Gresini Racing, which operates under the guidance of Nadia Padovani, the widow of its late founder and former rider Fausto Gresini, functions as an independent team with limited factory support from Ducati compared to other teams like Pramac and VR46. Nevertheless, Marquez believes that the team’s smaller scale was key to revitalizing his career, especially when compared to the corporate structure he experienced at Honda.
“Being on a satellite team reminded me of the passion for motorcycles,” he reflected. “While I had memorable experiences at Honda with wonderful colleagues, the nature of a factory team can often be more serious. Gresini offers a more relaxed and familial atmosphere.”
He further described the accessibility of the team structure, where he could easily communicate with team leadership, including Nadia, enabling him to share his thoughts on strategies and direction. “The most crucial element is that they have a competitive bike. In a satellite team equipped with a solid motorcycle, significant achievements are possible, as demonstrated by my performance this year and that of other riders in previous seasons with Gresini,” noted Marquez. “They have a rich history and extensive experience in navigating various challenges.”
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www.autosport.com