In a move that solidifies its ambitions for continued dominance in the premier class of motorcycle racing, Ducati has officially confirmed the signing of Marc Marquez to its factory MotoGP team for the 2025 season. The eight-time world champion will join forces with reigning double-world champion Francesco Bagnaia, forming a formidable partnership on two-year contracts.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation and reports, with Ducati initially considering promoting Jorge Martin from the Pramac team to the factory squad. However, Marquez’s impressive form on the 2023-spec Ducati at Gresini this season, coupled with his high marketing value, proved too enticing for the Italian manufacturer to overlook.
“I am very happy to be able to wear the red colours of the factory Ducati team in MotoGP next season,” Marquez expressed. “Basically, from the first contact with the Desmosedici GP, I enjoyed riding it and adapted well straight away. From that moment on, I knew that my goal was to continue this path, to continue to grow, and to move to the team where Francesco Bagnaia has been the world champion for two years in a row.”
Marquez’s move to Ducati marks a significant shift after an eleven-year stint with Honda, where he won six titles out of a possible seven between 2013 and 2019. His decision to leave the Japanese brand was driven by the ordeal he faced since his arm injury at Jerez in 2020, which led to four operations and a lack of competitiveness on a “very difficult bike.”
Expressing gratitude towards his current team, Marquez stated, “I want to thank Nadia [Padovani], Carlo [Merlini], Michele [Masini], and the entire Gresini Racing family for opening the door of their team to me at a delicate time in my career. Now, we will continue to have fun and give it our all in what remains of the current season, which is my priority right now.”
At the factory Ducati squad, Marquez replaces Enea Bastianini, who is set to ride for KTM next year, as reported earlier by Motorsport.com. The move is a clear example of Marquez’s authority in the championship, as he was able to change the minds of Ducati’s top management within a matter of days following his refusal to ride for the Pramac team.
Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, and General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, succumbed to Marquez’s demands, fearing the potential loss of the series’ main attraction, whose performances on the Desmosedici have contributed to the sport’s growing popularity.
Dall’Igna commented on the announcement, stating, “Deciding on Bagnaia’s new team-mate in the Ducati Lenovo Team was not easy, as we had a list of very strong riders to choose from. In the end, our choice fell on an unquestionable talent like Marc Marquez. In just a few races, he has managed to adapt perfectly to our Desmosedici GP, and his innate ambition pushes him to grow continuously.”
With Marquez and Bagnaia holding a combined 11 world titles, Ducati is poised to leverage their experience and maturity for continued growth and success in the MotoGP championship. The announcement marks a new chapter for both the Italian manufacturer and the legendary Spanish rider, as they embark on a partnership with the potential to redefine the dynamics of the premier class.