Marc Marquez joins Ducati factory team for MotoGP 2025

The six-time MotoGP champion eyes a return to the top with Ducati’s latest machine.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team looks on in the garage before starting during the Thailand MotoGP Test at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on February 13, 2025. Photo by Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

Marc Marquez is set to begin a new chapter in his MotoGP career as he joins the Ducati factory team for the 2025 season. After a strong campaign with Gresini Racing in 2024, where he finished third in the overall standings with 392 points, the 32-year-old Spaniard is now aiming to reclaim his place at the top of the championship.

This move to Ducati’s official squad provides Marquez with the latest machinery, a significant upgrade from the older Ducati bike he rode with Gresini last year. With this new advantage, expectations are high for the six-time MotoGP world champion to compete for the title once again.

Impressive start with Ducati’s factory bike

Early test results indicate that Marquez is adapting well to his new Ducati ride. In the pre-season test at Thailand’s Buriram circuit, he posted a strong lap time of 1 minute 29.4960 seconds, securing fourth place on the timesheets.

Although Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi topped the test session, finishing 0.436 seconds ahead of Marquez, the performance was enough to showcase the Spaniard’s potential on the latest Ducati machine. With further fine-tuning, Marquez could emerge as a serious title contender when the season begins.

"I'm happy, I feel excited. I'm riding the best bike, in the best team, everything is in my hands," Marquez told As following the test.

"Whether I want to fight for the title is in my own hands. I did my best this winter, I have a very fast teammate, my brother was the same in pre-season, and there are many good riders in MotoGP. I will try," he added.

A fresh start after a strong 2024 season

Marquez’s performance with Gresini Racing in 2024 demonstrated that he still has the speed and skill to compete at the highest level. His podium finishes throughout the season and a third-place finish in the championship standings reinforced his status as one of the premier riders in MotoGP.

Despite riding an older-spec Ducati, he managed to challenge younger rivals and factory riders, proving that his raw talent remains intact. Now, with the full support of the Ducati factory team, Marquez is expected to take another step forward in his quest for a seventh premier-class title.

Challenges ahead in the 2025 season

While Marquez’s switch to Ducati’s factory team places him among the favorites for the championship, the competition remains fierce. Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, also riding a Ducati, will be a formidable opponent. Additionally, Aprilia and KTM have shown significant improvements, with riders like Marco Bezzecchi and Brad Binder emerging as potential threats.

Another key factor will be Marquez’s ability to stay fit and avoid injuries. Over the past few years, the Spaniard has struggled with multiple setbacks, including arm surgeries and shoulder issues. Maintaining peak physical condition throughout the demanding MotoGP season will be critical to his title ambitions.

Ducati’s dominance and Marquez’s ambitions

Ducati has been the dominant force in MotoGP over the past few seasons, winning multiple championships with Francesco Bagnaia. The Italian manufacturer’s bikes have consistently been the fastest on the grid, and Marquez now has the tools he needs to challenge for the title once again.

Marquez’s aggressive riding style and racecraft are well suited to Ducati’s powerful machines, and if he can find the right balance, he could add another world title to his collection. With the 2025 season set to kick off, all eyes will be on Marquez as he embarks on his new journey with Ducati’s factory team.

Can Marquez reclaim his MotoGP throne?

The upcoming season presents a golden opportunity for Marc Marquez to prove that he remains one of the greatest riders in MotoGP history. His transition to Ducati’s factory team marks a fresh start, and early signs indicate that he has the speed to challenge for victories.

As the MotoGP 2025 season unfolds, fans will be eager to see if Marquez can dethrone the reigning champion and reclaim his spot at the top. With his unmatched determination and the best bike at his disposal, the battle for the world championship is set to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.