Marc Márquez will compete for the first time in MotoGP with a Ducati. After four complicated years on various levels, he takes a new direction in his career, in an attempt to be competitive again and fight at the top. For now, the rider excludes himself from the title fight this year, but Paolo Ciabatti has other expectations.
The director of Ducati was confronted by Marca newspaper about the explosion of interest in the manufacturer in Spain since Márquez was confirmed at Gresini. In response, the Italian said: ‘It’s normal. He’s an exceptional rider who has won six MotoGP World Championships and eight in his sporting career. He is one of the best in the history of our sport. Ducati has had a lot of success with its current riders. Except for [Johann] Zarco, everyone will stay with Ducati in the 2024 season and he is another rider that I’m sure will be super competitive and I think he will also be fighting for the World Championship’.
Although he knows that Márquez is setting the bar low for 2024, Ciabatti anticipates that #93 will compete for the title: ‘Maybe Marc is moderating his expectations a bit, but I think he will adapt very well to Ducati, riders with different styles have been able to reach the podium and win races. Márquez will be one of the riders fighting for the World Championship’.
