Gresini Racing team owner Nadia Padovani recently opened up about the current MotoGP season in a candid conversation with Nico Abad. She spoke at length about her riders, particularly Marc Márquez, and the joy of celebrating his victories and podiums. The Gresini garage, known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, has become a haven for the Márquez brothers, where they have found comfort and support, bringing much happiness to Padovani.
“This year, with Marc, we have seen him very happy and calm,” Padovani explained. “Of course, there are moments when we have to solve more problems, but when we succeed together, when we achieve these podiums, it’s fantastic to celebrate these victories,” she noted, emphasizing that the team still has more to achieve despite Marc’s impressive performances.
Reflecting on the unique experience of celebrating a podium with Márquez, Padovani shared, “With Marc, the podium tastes special. Seeing him up there, especially alongside his brother Alex, is truly rewarding. When they stood on the podium together, second and third, it was a great feeling to see them there side by side.”
Padovani acknowledged Márquez’s stature in the sport, highlighting his eight world championships and the challenges he has faced in recent years. “He’s an important figure in MotoGP, a great champion. We’ve seen him struggle with his injuries and long recovery, so watching him back on the podium is heartwarming. It’s a moment we all hoped for, even when we weren’t sure it would happen. We waited for the right time and believed in him,” she said, recalling the emotional journey of bringing Marc to the team.
The Gresini team is built on a strong family ethos, something that has clearly resonated with the Márquez brothers. “We are a family. Alex has been with us for two years, so he knows how we work. We strive to make our riders feel comfortable and free of pressure. Having Marc was initially intimidating because of his stature, but we’ve built a good relationship. We feel at ease with him,” Padovani explained.
She further described the team’s relaxed and joyful atmosphere, saying, “We enjoy laughing, dancing, and joking when we’re not under pressure. It helps us relax and strengthens our bond as a team. It’s about creating a positive environment, whether we’re focusing on race strategy or having fun, like when Marc got hit in the face with a cake—it’s all part of our spirit.”
Looking ahead, Gresini is set to welcome young talent Fermin Aldeguer from Moto2. Padovani expressed optimism about Aldeguer’s potential, stating, “I met him once and liked him right away. He’s a promising rider, and we’ll support him every step of the way. I’m excited to see what he can achieve in MotoGP.”
As for Marc Márquez’s future, Padovani expressed mixed emotions about his move to the official Ducati team next season. “I would have loved to have Marc with us for another year, but he made the right choice. I’m very happy he’ll have the opportunity to ride an official Ducati Lenovo bike,” she said, grateful for the time they’ve shared and excited for his next chapter.
Padovani’s reflections paint a picture of a close-knit team that thrives on camaraderie and a shared passion for racing, qualities that have made Gresini a special home for the Márquez brothers and an exciting prospect for new riders like Aldeguer.