Alex Marquez finds early success with Ducati GP24

Alex Marquez adapts quickly to Ducati GP24, securing strong results in Thailand.

Alex Marquez of Spain and Gresini Racing MotoGP walks toward Luigi Dall’Igna of Italy, General Manager of Ducati Lenovo Team, to embrace on the podium during the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 2, 2025. Photo by Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Alex Marquez’s performance in the opening round of the 2025 MotoGP season proved his seamless adaptation to the Ducati GP24, as he secured back-to-back second-place finishes in Thailand. The Gresini Racing rider showed impressive pace throughout the weekend, underlining the strengths of his new machinery.

Last year, riders aboard the Desmosedici GP23 faced significant handling challenges due to Michelin’s revised rear tire. The increased rear grip altered the bike’s balance, making mid-corner turning more difficult—a trait that hampered several riders, including Marquez. However, with the GP24, Ducati riders such as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia have been able to maintain strong braking stability while carrying more speed through the corners.

Marquez has taken full advantage of these improvements, qualifying strongly and converting his grid positions into consecutive podium finishes at the season opener.

Following the Thai Grand Prix, Marquez reflected on how quickly he has adapted to the Ducati GP24, emphasizing how much he enjoys riding the latest Desmosedici model.

“I’m enjoying a lot from the first day that I tried this bike,” Marquez said during the post-race press conference. “Already in Catalunya, I was able to be fast from the first run that I did with this bike, and I was able to ride as I want and enjoy on the bike. That was the main target for me—if you enjoy, you are fast.”

The contrast between his experiences with the GP23 and GP24 has been striking. Marquez admitted that the previous year’s bike never allowed him to ride the way he wanted, forcing him to adapt his style in ways that didn’t suit him. However, those struggles have now become an asset, as they have helped him fully exploit the capabilities of the GP24.

“Last year’s bike, I was struggling a lot in many points. For my riding style, I was struggling a lot,” he explained. “But all that experience that I took from that bike is helping me now, so everything is not bad.”

Turning setbacks into progress

Marquez acknowledged that tough seasons often provide the most valuable lessons, and his 2024 difficulties have given him a deeper understanding of how to maximize his potential on the new bike.

“The tough years are the ones where you learn much more, like double, than a normal year,” he said. “So, now we are in a good way, but I think that we can take more profit from the 2024 bike, and there are still some points that we need to keep improving.”

With a strong start to the 2025 season, Marquez has positioned himself as a serious contender. While his performances in Thailand showcased his speed, upcoming rounds will test whether he can maintain consistency against riders like Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

As the MotoGP season progresses, Alex Marquez’s newfound confidence and improved machinery could make him a regular fixture at the front of the grid.