MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his seventh title at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, marking the end of a six-year championship drought since 2019. His Marc Marquez Ducati triumph highlights not only his remarkable skill but also the crucial role played by Ducati, according to the brand’s sporting director, Mauro Grassilli.
Marquez’s Career Revitalized by Switch to Ducati Machinery
After a series of serious injuries stalled his progress, Marquez made the significant decision at the end of 2023 to leave Honda and join the Gresini team with Ducati machinery, aiming to revive his career. This transition eventually led him to Ducati’s factory squad for 2025, where he dominated the season by winning 11 grands prix and 14 sprint races on his path to the championship.
Grassilli described this season as Marquez’s finest, praising the Spaniard’s performance on the Ducati bike.
“It was the best season ever for Marc,”
he said. The new partnership transformed Marquez into what Grassilli called a “superhero,” reflecting his renewed dominance.
Ducati’s Strategic Decisions Behind Marquez’s Championship
Integrating Marquez into Ducati’s factory team required tough decisions, including letting go of Jorge Martin, who was initially slated for the seat but declined to move to the Pramac squad. Grassilli acknowledged the challenge but regarded Ducati’s choice as unquestionably positive.
“It was a difficult choice in the beginning because it was a difficult moment in the middle of last year, but we did a very good choice and we are so proud,”
he added.
“So, happy to have him in the box.”
The Essential Role of Ducati in Securing Marquez’s Title
Initially, Ducati hesitated when rumors surfaced about Marquez joining the Gresini team for the 2024 season. However, that stance shifted, paving the way for what became a pivotal partnership. Prior to the championship victory, Grassilli emphasized the brand’s importance in Marquez’s success, saying,
“I think that Ducati is part of this beautiful story with Marc.”
He stressed that without Ducati’s machinery, Marquez might still be struggling near the back of the grid while riding Honda bikes.
“Marc now is winning the championship, but without Ducati it was impossible for him. Also we have six manufacturers’ championships in a row. So, it means Ducati is still the best bike on the grid. So, Marc is world champion, but thanks to Ducati he is a world champion.”
Ducati’s Ambition for Continued Dominance in MotoGP
Looking ahead, Ducati’s CEO set ambitious goals to sustain their winning streak. Grassilli shared,
“Our CEO said we would like to have five years in a row [of winning the title], so next year will be the last [of this target], so we have to be very careful!”
This statement underlines Ducati’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the MotoGP grid and supporting top talents like Marquez.
Marc Marquez’s Ducati triumph not only represents a personal comeback but also reinforces Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP. Their combined strength creates a formidable partnership, enhancing their chances for continued success and thrilling seasons ahead.
