Gresini Racing will have the Márquez clan reunion in their garage in 2024, with both riders being on opposite sides when it comes to their relationship with the Ducati Desmosedici. On one hand, Álex has more experience with the bike, while Marc couldn’t hide his smiles during the debut, in the tests in Valencia, and is even considered one of the main favorites for the championship victory.
Looking at the statistics and achievements in MotoGP, the choice of who is the favorite in the two-way duel seems obvious, but is it really? Let’s see.
Marc Márquez has an extensive resume and many championships in motorcycle racing (six in MotoGP, one in Moto2, and one in 125cc), and many believe that if it weren’t for the long ordeal that began in early 2020, with the injury suffered in Jerez, the #93 would already be the most titled ever, with a reign that would have continued with Honda.
On the other side of the garage will be Álex Márquez, a two-time world champion (one in Moto3 and one in Moto2) who has his experience in MotoGP precisely with the start of Honda’s biggest problems in 2020, where the results fell short of what many expected from him. In 2023, he made the transition to Ducati and since then has shown a little more of the attributes and quality that is recognized in him.
The brothers are thus starting 2024 on opposite sides of the garage and not only that: Álex has a year of experience with the Desmosedici, where he managed to return to victory and showed many top-five results, or similar, and certainly does not want to stay in the shadow of Marc, nor be known “only” as his brother, as it once seemed – recalling the times at Honda and LCR.
Marc has surprised, leaving a beautiful image in the end-of-season tests in Valencia and recovering, right after his first exit, a smile that seemed so distant in recent times and that may have “scared” the competition. The former world champion, whether you like it or not, has a talent like few others, or maybe even unique, and has shown a glimpse of what may come… even without being accustomed to the bike yet.
His impact was such that many bookmakers even place him as the clear favorite to win the championship in 2024, ahead of Pecco Bagnaia or Jorge Martín.
Another undeniable aspect to be remembered is the records that Marc broke… (also) in a negative way: 2023 was the year he fell the most, and with his riding style and his search to know the limits of the Desmosedici, it could historically mean many crashes. Or maybe not.
Marc Márquez may have a gradual and slower adaptation, which could bring an advantage to his brother Álex in this peculiar duel – who is already adapted and familiar with the bike, although it should not be overlooked that Marc may also “fit the Ducati like a glove”.
In a press conference, Marc made it clear that Álex will be his main adversary, with #73 stating that the duo has a very special relationship off the track that can serve as motivation for both, and a mutual support that can even benefit both.
