Alex Marquez faced the real possibility of leaving MotoGP in 2023, after all team options seemed exhausted, until Nadia Padovani, the owner of Gresini Racing, made a bold decision to sign him. This pivotal move allowed Marquez to continue competing at the highest level and revive his career.
The Ups and Downs of Alex Marquez’s Racing Career
Alex’s journey through motorcycle racing has been turbulent but remarkable. He claimed the Moto3 championship in just his second full season in 2014, showcasing early promise. However, his initial years in Moto2 proved challenging before he ultimately secured the Moto2 title in 2019. His MotoGP career has mirrored that rollercoaster trajectory—he debuted with Honda in 2020 and switched to Ducati in 2023. Now, he is on track to finish second in the championship, closely trailing his older brother Marc Marquez.
While Alex’s talent and determination played a role in his resurgence, many credit Nadia Padovani’s faith in him as the defining factor. When other teams passed on him, she took the risk, rescuing the rider who races under the number 73 and ensuring he remained on the MotoGP grid.
Early MotoGP Challenges and Near Departure
Alex’s rookie MotoGP season was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the injury of his brother Marc, who suffered a severe shoulder injury at Jerez, preventing them from racing together at Repsol Honda. The pressure mounted through 2021 with LCR Honda, where Alex struggled to replicate his initial success, earning just two podiums in his debut. By mid-2022, he faced the frightening prospect of having no MotoGP contract for 2023 as team seats filled rapidly.
During the hectic summer transfer window, as rivals secured their future spots, Marquez experienced growing anxiety about his uncertain status.
We were in Sachsenring and I had no team for 2023. Everything was closing and I had no place in MotoGP. It wasn’t just that I was worried – I had anxiety,
said Alex, who has recorded two wins and nine podiums this season.
I had already spoken with Marc and with my parents. If nothing came up, I was going home, at least for a year. Sure, there were other championships, but I wanted to be here [MotoGP].
Nadia Padovani’s Role in Reviving Marquez’s Career
Padovani’s commitment to Marquez proved decisive in turning his trajectory around. Signing with Gresini Racing gave Alex not just a seat but a supportive environment where he felt a true sense of belonging.
Thanks to that, I’m in the position I’m in now. When you join Gresini, you understand why this team works so well. Nadia is the boss, and she’s involved in every decision. It’s not just my team – it’s my family,
Marquez reflected.
He pledged loyalty to Gresini by refusing to negotiate with other teams before his current contract expires in 2027, citing respect for Padovani and the team that saved his career.
I know that if I keep performing, next year I’ll have plenty of options. But I’ll never talk to other teams while I’m here, because of the respect they’ve shown me,
he said.
The Impact of Marc Marquez and the Mental Strength Required
One constant in Alex’s career has been the presence and influence of his older brother Marc, a multiple MotoGP champion known for his commanding presence. They shared garages twice, first in 2020 at HRC before Marc’s injury sidelined him, and again last year when Padovani facilitated Marc’s return to MotoGP with Gresini after his split from Honda.
Alex fully understands the pressure of competing alongside such an iconic figure and how Marc’s arrival creates a powerful force within the team atmosphere.
When Marc walks into a garage, it’s like a tsunami,
Alex said.
He explained that Marc’s aura and natural leadership add an extra layer of pressure for teammates, a challenge that demands exceptional mental resilience.
You’re in a garage where you’ve been the main man for years, and suddenly this tsunami named Marc shows up, with everything that comes with him and the pressure it generates. He’s got this aura, he’s a natural leader,
Alex said.
You think you’re already under the highest level of pressure, and then Marc arrives and it goes to another dimension. You have to be really prepared to handle that. I don’t think Pecco’s issue is that, though – I see him as mentally very strong.
Looking Ahead: Marquez’s Rising Prospects and MotoGP’s Future
Alex Marquez’s return to MotoGP prominence, made possible by Gresini Racing’s gamble, not only salvaged his career but revitalized his competitiveness in the championship’s top echelon. His resurgence underscores the importance of steadfast belief from key team figures and mental toughness in the highest level of motorcycle racing.
As Marquez continues to perform strongly in 2023, the respect he retains for Gresini suggests stability in his near future, while Marc’s looming influence persists. The Marquez brothers remain central characters in MotoGP’s unfolding story, symbolizing resilience, rivalry, and redemption.
