The MotoGP community is getting anxious about the approaching 2024 season, especially with the possibility of Marc Márquez joining Ducati. Although the official announcement regarding Márquez’s future destination for 2024 is still pending, it is clear that he will no longer be an official Honda rider. Indications suggest that he will join the satellite team Gresini, where he will race with a Ducati.
This move will make him a brand mate of riders like Pecco Bagnaia (official Ducati), Jorge Martín (Pramac), Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini (both in Pramac), Enea Bastianini (official Ducati), his brother and teammate Álex Márquez, and the newcomer Franco Morbidelli (Pramac).
The current world champion, Pecco Bagnaia, whose main concern is fighting against Jorge Martín at the moment – just three points behind in the championship standings – commented on the high probability of having Márquez as a “teammate”. The Italian expressed genuine enthusiasm about the prospect. Whether to relieve pressure or out of pure sincerity, Bagnaia always seems to enjoy the competition, having previously expressed his excitement about racing on track, especially with Martín, who is currently in great form.
Regarding Márquez, the #1 stated: ‘Seeing the data of someone like Marc Márquez will be encouraging and helpful. We can have a good fight. If Marc joins Ducati, he will undoubtedly be extremely fast from the start. Having a rival like him is always great, so I am happy about it. He is an eight-time world champion. So, seeing the data of someone of his caliber will be encouraging and useful. We will then see what he is capable of’.
Gigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, expects a “balance break” within the team, which will be his responsibility to manage. As for Bagnaia, he looks forward to the increased competition that Márquez’s arrival may bring. The 2024 MotoGP season is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent times.
