Throughout much of 2023, as the story of Marc Marquez joining the Gresini team gained momentum and eventually became a reality, Ducati, the manufacturer supplying his MotoGP bike for this year, was seen as somewhat reluctant and uninvolved. While there were rumors that the brand directly approached Marquez to put him on a factory-supported bike, the deal with Gresini was portrayed as a private team making its own decision about its rider lineup, with Ducati’s general approval but without being a major motivator. This meant that even if Marquez performed well on a private Ducati, he would not be the top priority for the factory team.
Many of these assumptions still hold true. Marquez is an exceptional rider, but Ducati can and does win without him. Pecco Bagnaia continues to prove himself as the brand’s focal point. Additionally, other manufacturers may be able to make financially more competitive offers to Marquez, who likely wants to make up for the money he gave up in 2024 by terminating his contract with Honda.
However, the idea of Marquez joining Ducati is still making more sense. Let’s hear from some people who may have insights on this.
Francesco Guidotti, the team manager of KTM, has been a strong advocate for Marquez joining the team. Guidotti has a past connection with Marquez through KTM’s 125cc program. While KTM may have less need for Marquez currently due to the success of Brad Binder and the emergence of Pedro Acosta, Guidotti has expressed his desire to have Marquez on the team. He also suggested that Marquez may prefer to align with Ducati rather than ride a third different bike in three years in 2025.
Jorge Lorenzo, in an interview with Mundo Deportivo from Spain, did not rule out the possibility of Marquez joining Ducati in 2025. He highlighted the mutual respect between Marquez and Ducati’s technical specialist, Gigi Dall’Igna, as a key factor. Lorenzo’s history with Dall’Igna, winning races for Derbi and titles for Aprilia when Dall’Igna was involved, gives weight to his opinion.
Gigi Dall’Igna himself has been seen as a strong advocate for having Marquez at Ducati. In his post-race columns for Ducati, Dall’Igna praised Marquez’s talent and adaptability, suggesting that his experience and desire to compete at the highest level could make a difference.
Mauro Grassilli, Ducati’s new sporting director, described Marquez as an important rider to consider in an interview with Motorsport.com Spain.
There is no denying that Marquez has already shown his ability on the Ducati Desmosedici.
The question of whether Ducati needs Marquez and if he would be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to join the team in 2025 remains. Ducati currently has plenty of talented riders in its ranks and could easily hire someone like Fabio Quartararo if desired. The safe choice would be Enea Bastianini, who has shown promise on the Ducati GP24 and could support Bagnaia. However, if Ducati is willing to take a risk, Marquez seems like a more obvious choice than Jorge Martin. Marquez’s name recognition and appeal to sponsors and viewers make him an attractive option.
The financial aspect is also a consideration. Although Ducati is not currently the highest-paying team, Marquez’s profile and potential sponsorship deals could offset any salary differences. The recent partnership between Audi Spain and the Marquez brothers, who are now brand ambassadors, highlights Marquez’s ongoing appeal.
In the end, the decision may not be just about finances. Marquez has already shown willingness to prioritize his chances of victory over a higher salary. If Honda improves this year, Marquez’s loyalty to the brand may influence his decision. However, from a championship perspective, joining Ducati in their iconic red colors would be a tempting opportunity.
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The sports world is in turmoil with the bombshell news that has just been released. A renowned football player is about to sign a millionaire contract with one of the biggest clubs in the country. The negotiation, which has been going on for months, has finally come to a conclusion and promises to shake up the sports market.
According to sources close to the player, the deal is practically closed and only the official signature is missing for it to be confirmed. The athlete, who currently defends the colors of a foreign club, has attracted the interest of several teams around the world due to his talent and skill on the field.
The signing of this player is considered a real score for the club, which is looking to strengthen its squad and win important titles. With the arrival of this star player, the expectation is that the team will gain even more strength and become one of the favorites in all competitions it participates in.
In addition to the impact on the field, the transfer also promises to shake up the advertising market. Companies are already eyeing the player and competing to have their image associated with brands. With a millionaire contract, the athlete will become one of the highest-paid sportsmen in the country and his image will be exploited in advertising campaigns for various brands.
The official value of the transfer has not been disclosed yet, but it is speculated to be one of the largest in football history. The player, who has already won numerous titles and individual awards, is eager to start this new chapter in his career and hopes to meet the expectations of the fans and the club’s board.
Now we just have to wait for the official confirmation and see this star shine on Brazilian fields. The fans are eager to see the player in action and the expectation is that he can help the club achieve great accomplishments and write his name in the history of national football. Stay tuned for more information about this bombastic signing!