Marc Marquez, despite his impressive performance in the 2024 MotoGP season, believes that even with Ducati’s top-performing GP24 bike, he wouldn’t have been able to claim the championship. Marquez made a switch to the Gresini team at the start of 2024, riding a year-old Ducati GP23, which placed him at a disadvantage compared to riders with access to the newer GP24 machinery. Nevertheless, he still managed to secure three wins and ten podium finishes, finishing third overall in the championship behind Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.
Many observers speculated that Marquez could have been a strong contender for the title had he been on equal footing with the other frontrunners, especially considering his strong showing on the outdated GP23. His brother, Alex Marquez, who also raced the same bike, finished eighth, highlighting how competitive Marc had been despite his machinery disadvantage. However, Marquez does not share that optimism. He feels that even if he had ridden the GP24, he wouldn’t have been able to match the form of Martin and Bagnaia, citing his own personal struggles over the past few years.
Marquez admitted that he wasn’t in the best state of mind or physical condition to fight for the title after enduring four difficult years with Honda. The Spaniard’s remarks emphasize that while he might have been closer in terms of points had he been riding the GP24, the championship victory was beyond reach due to his current situation. He acknowledged the great performances by Martin and Bagnaia throughout the season, making it clear that he didn’t have the same momentum or confidence to compete at their level.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Honda at the end of 2023 and join the satellite Gresini team, Marquez explained that the move meant adapting to a radically different bike philosophy after spending over a decade riding Honda’s RC213V. On top of that, his recovery from a serious arm injury suffered in 2020, which required multiple surgeries, made the transition even harder.
Despite these challenges, Marquez expressed satisfaction with his performance in 2024, as he set modest goals for himself at the start of the season. His expectations were focused on achieving a podium finish and securing a victory, with any additional success being a bonus. His triumph at the Aragon GP in September was particularly meaningful, as it exceeded his own expectations for the season.
Marquez admitted that he wasn’t realistic about his chances of winning the world championship in 2024, given the difficulties he had faced in recent years. He said that after coming out of “four years in hell,” it would have been unrealistic to expect immediate success at the highest level. His mindset was to focus on incremental progress rather than aiming for the ultimate prize right away.
For Marquez, the Valencia test at the end of 2023 was a turning point. It marked the first time he felt a genuine sense of physical improvement since his injury, offering him a boost in confidence. This moment allowed him to appreciate the progress he had made, even if a championship was not a realistic goal for the year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Marquez is set to race the new Ducati GP25, joining the factory Ducati team alongside Bagnaia. His move to the factory team marks another major step in his career, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the latest iteration of the Ducati bike. Given Marquez’s track record of success and adaptability, many fans will be eager to see if he can challenge for the championship in the coming seasons.
Marquez’s approach to his 2024 season highlights the importance of setting realistic goals and acknowledging personal limitations after a difficult period. His pragmatic outlook has allowed him to make the most of his situation, securing multiple podiums and a victory while focusing on recovery and improvement. Though the championship eluded him, his resilience and determination were evident throughout the season.
As Marquez transitions to the factory Ducati team, the expectations will undoubtedly rise. Ducati is one of the most dominant teams in MotoGP, and Marquez will have the opportunity to race on a cutting-edge machine with the support of a top-tier team. However, he remains cautious about his prospects, knowing that his physical and mental state must be at its best to mount a serious title challenge.
The 2024 season, with all its ups and downs, served as a foundation for Marquez’s future in MotoGP. It was a year where he demonstrated that, despite setbacks, he still possesses the skill and drive to compete at the highest level. The upcoming seasons, with the Ducati GP25, could be his chance to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite, but he knows that patience and consistent performance will be key.
As he prepares for his new chapter with Ducati, Marquez’s 2024 campaign stands as a testament to his resilience, determination, and realistic approach to the challenges ahead. While the 2024 MotoGP title may have been out of reach, Marquez’s journey is far from over, and the future remains full of possibilities.