Marc Marquez needed one answer before considering MotoGP retirement

Marc Marquez leads the championship and is poised to become the oldest MotoGP champion of the modern era.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team speaks with journalists during a media scrum at the end of day two of the MotoGP Sepang Official Test at Petronas Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, on February 6, 2025. Photo by Hazrin Yeob Men Shah/Icon Sportswire

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez has transformed his MotoGP career at a crucial moment, silencing doubts about whether he could still compete at the highest level. Now leading the championship, the Spaniard is the favorite to secure his seventh MotoGP title in 2025, marking a remarkable turnaround following his departure from Honda.

After leaving Honda at the end of 2023, Marquez joined Gresini Racing to ride a Ducati, seeking a fresh start on a more competitive machine. Despite riding a year-old GP23 chassis, he claimed three victories, proving his ability to adapt and excel. His success earned him a promotion to the Ducati factory team, where he now partners with two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, forming one of the most formidable rider pairings in MotoGP history.

Overcoming injuries and adapting to Ducati

Marquez’s transition to Ducati was not without its challenges. The six-time champion battled through severe injuries in recent years, raising questions about whether he could ever return to his dominant form. However, he has since demonstrated his resilience, adapting quickly to the Desmosedici and emerging as a title contender.

Bagnaia and Marquez were expected to have a tense relationship as teammates, but the reigning champion has embraced the opportunity to learn from Marquez’s mastery of left-hand turns. The two riders have developed a mutual understanding, with Bagnaia acknowledging the value of studying Marquez’s techniques.

If Marquez secures the 2025 MotoGP title, he will become the oldest champion of the modern era at 32 years old, surpassing his longtime rival Valentino Rossi’s record. His resurgence has been fueled by the decision to leave Honda, a move he made after realizing that staying with the struggling Japanese manufacturer would not allow him to compete at the top level.

The decision to leave Honda

Marquez has been candid about the difficulties he faced during his final seasons with Honda. The lack of a competitive bike and a series of injuries left him questioning his future in the sport.

“Well, during when you have such a big period of injuries, my sporting career until 2019 had been a success. It had been a dream, everything was victories, and if not, then podiums,” Marquez said.

“But I experienced the other side of sport, which is injuries. And that’s where I entered a very negative loop of many injuries, of even considering quitting because I wasn’t enjoying it.

“But before quitting, I had to know if I was still competitive or not. That’s why I made the decision to look for the best bike, which was last year to go to the Gresini team and bet on myself.”

His gamble paid off, as he quickly adapted to Ducati machinery and proved that he still belongs at the front of the MotoGP grid.

Early dominance in 2025 and title prospects

The 2025 MotoGP season has started with Marquez in commanding form. His performance at the Thailand Grand Prix left Bagnaia perplexed, as the Spaniard showcased superior race management and outright speed.

The upcoming rounds in Argentina and the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) are expected to favor Marquez, given his history of excelling on low-grip circuits. If he continues his winning streak, he could establish a significant championship lead within the first three races of the season.

Bagnaia, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to respond. The Italian is all too aware of how costly mistakes can be, having narrowly lost the 2024 title by just 10 points despite winning more races than Jorge Martin. If Bagnaia fails to match Marquez’s consistency, he risks falling behind in the title race early on.

As the season unfolds, Marquez has the opportunity to cement his legacy further by securing his seventh premier class title. With a competitive Ducati underneath him and his championship-winning instincts intact, he is well on his way to reclaiming his place at the top of MotoGP.