The 2024 MotoGP season has been a story of change for Marc Marquez. After an impressive eleven-year stint with Repsol Honda, the eight-time world champion made a bold move, switching to the Ducati satellite team Gresini Racing. This dramatic shift has left fans and pundits alike wondering: can Marquez recapture his championship glory on a new machine?
Marquez's debut in Qatar was a promising sign. Despite qualifying only sixth – his best showing since 2023 – he showcased his trademark fighting spirit. A strong fifth-place finish in the inaugural Sprint race hinted at his potential with the Ducati. The main race saw him secure a solid fourth, showcasing his ability to adapt quickly to the powerful Desmosedici. But, what he needs to gain more expertise in is race pace and tyre management.
However, challenges lie ahead. Ducati's development focus is on their factory team, meaning Marquez might be at a slight disadvantage with the previous year's machine. While some believe this could hinder his performance, others point out that his experience and raw talent could overcome the gap.
Marquez himself seems unfazed. He acknowledges the pressure to perform but welcomes the change in atmosphere at Gresini, a more relaxed environment compared to the intense competition at Honda. This shift could be exactly what he needs to refocus and rediscover his winning edge.
The Portuguese Grand Prix was a tough one though. The crash with Bagnaia was frustrating, but these things happen in racing. He said, “We were both pushing hard for that fifth-place position. The important takeaway is that I'm feeling more comfortable on the Ducati with every race. I'm learning its limits and pushing them further each time. While it's still early in the season, I'm already ahead of the other Ducati riders in the championship standings, which is a positive sign. The key is to keep learning, keep improving, and be in a position to challenge for the title come race day.”
With Marc Marquez in the mix and constantly adapting to his new machine, the 2024 MotoGP season promises to be an edge-of-your-seat battle for the championship. But what we want to know is, how many times will Marquez see the top step of the podium?
