Marc Márquez capped off an eventful MotoGP season with a stellar performance at the Barcelona Solidarity Grand Prix, finishing second in the race and securing third place in the riders’ world championship. The Spanish star edged out Enea Bastianini in the standings and bid farewell to the Gresini Racing team with a podium, already setting his sights on his future as an official Ducati rider.
A Surprising Podium to End the Season
Márquez reflected on his unexpected pace in Barcelona, noting how critical adjustments during the weekend helped him regain his competitive edge.
“The best way to say goodbye to the Gresini team is this podium. Finishing in the top three wasn’t a personal priority, but I knew it meant something for the team. After struggling early in the weekend, we returned to our initial setup, and I felt very comfortable in the race.”
This second-place finish, combined with a steady resurgence late in the season, propelled Márquez to third in the standings—a remarkable feat given his struggles with injuries in recent years.
Farewell to Gresini: A Transformational Year
Márquez lauded Gresini Racing for revitalizing his career after a difficult stretch marred by injuries and setbacks.
“The Gresini team gave me what I needed when I needed it most. They believed in me when many didn’t, allowing me to show what I could do on a satellite Ducati. This year with them has been transformative, and the best way to thank them is by giving 100% on the track.”
The one-year stint with Gresini marked a turning point for Márquez, restoring his confidence and preparing him for a return to the factory ranks.
The Road Ahead with Ducati
Looking forward, Márquez acknowledged the heightened expectations that come with riding for Ducati’s factory team in 2025.
“The official box is a big deal. There’s no room for mediocrity—seventh in the sprint doesn’t cut it. The pressure is higher, but I’m ready to adapt and find the best balance with the team.”
With his eyes firmly set on the challenge ahead, Márquez promised to bring his trademark professionalism and relentless drive to Ducati, a team that has dominated the grid in recent years.
The future as an official Ducati rider : “The official box is already a big deal, not everything goes there, you can’t finish seventh in the sprint and then go into the box dressed as a panda, it’s not compatible, so I know there are some very good people there too, but there’s another pressure, obviously, you’re a factory team and we’ll try to give them 100%, we’ll try to be as professional as possible, but with the intention of always first adapting to what you find and then once there, little by little taking notes from both sides to find a better compromise.”
Rivals and a New Chapter
Márquez took a moment to praise Jorge Martín, the 2024 world champion, and acknowledged the fierce competition he expects in 2025.
“Martín had a fantastic year—he was faster and more consistent. Pecco [Bagnaia] was strong on Sundays, but Martín is the well-deserved champion. Next year, I expect Bagnaia to remain a huge rival, but it’s a fresh start for everyone.”
As Márquez prepares for his Ducati debut, he enters 2025 poised to challenge the likes of Martín and Bagnaia, bringing with him a renewed hunger and the promise of thrilling battles ahead.
A New Era for Márquez
The Barcelona Grand Prix was not just a farewell to Gresini—it was the culmination of a season of transformation for Marc Márquez. As he transitions to Ducati’s factory team, expectations are sky-high for the eight-time world champion. With his experience, grit, and undeniable talent, Márquez’s move to Ducati sets the stage for one of MotoGP’s most anticipated storylines in 2025.
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