Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP champion, has taken the racing community by surprise with a daring career move. Rejecting an astonishing €100 million contract extension from Honda, Marquez has chosen to join Gresini Racing on a year-old Ducati. His decision comes after enduring severe injuries and witnessing Honda’s decline in competitiveness, prompting him to seek new challenges.
The contract from Honda would have positioned Marquez as the highest-paid rider in the MotoGP paddock, potentially overtaking the earnings of Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo. However, his choice underscores a preference for success over financial gain, a sentiment echoed by Ducati Corse’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna. Dall’Igna commended Marquez’s drive to win, noting, “If you want to win, you have to give up so many things, sometimes even money.”
Since switching teams, Marquez’s tenure with Gresini and his subsequent transition to Ducati’s factory team have proven spectacular. Marquez has dominated the 2025 season, winning seven of the eight races so far, showcasing his remarkable prowess on a Ducati. Dall’Igna acknowledged the Spaniard’s impressive performance, emphasizing that Marquez, while perhaps not at his all-time best, is certainly excelling on the Ducati.
This strategic shift by Marquez has redefined MotoGP success, setting a new benchmark prioritizing competitive triumphs over lucrative contracts. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains on Marc Marquez as his relentless pursuit of victory continues to captivate fans and reshape MotoGP dynamics.
