Marc Marquez, the celebrated eight-time world champion, has set his sights on a significant upgrade within the MotoGP ranks for 2025. Fresh off his transition from Honda to the satellite Gresini Ducati team this season, Marquez has openly voiced his aspirations to secure a factory bike and, more ambitiously, a spot in a factory team.
During the recent MotoGP weekend in Jerez, Marquez disclosed his intentions, stating, “My goal is to do 100% to have a factory bike next year.” Currently maneuvering a year-old Desmosedici, the Spanish racer is keen on accessing the latest factory equipment, aligning with ongoing speculation about Gresini’s potential acquisition of newer Ducati machinery, especially if Pramac, Ducati’s official satellite team, shifts its allegiance to Yamaha.
However, Marquez’s ambitions extend beyond just riding a factory bike; he is aiming for full integration into a factory team setup. He explained, “[Pramac] is a great team, which has factory bikes and has shown that it is capable of fighting for a World Championship, but it is not a factory team.” This distinction underlines his desire for the enhanced support and resources that typically accompany a factory team role.
The primary target for Marquez would be a coveted position alongside Francesco Bagnaia at the official Ducati team, capitalizing on his growing rapport with the Desmosedici. This move would allow Marquez to continue his collaboration with Gresini crew chief Frankie Carchedi and build upon their collective experience.
Nonetheless, securing such a spot is fraught with challenges. Ducati’s racing director, Gigi Dall’Igna, has hinted at the difficult decisions ahead, given the strong performances and aspirations of other riders like Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini, who are also contenders for the Ducati factory team.
If Marquez’s plans with Ducati do not materialize, alternative paths may involve KTM or Aprilia. Aprilia appears as a viable option with potential vacancies, as neither Maverick Vinales nor Aleix Espargaro are confirmed beyond this season. Meanwhile, KTM, despite having less apparent openings due to their commitments to other riders, remains a theoretical possibility.
As negotiations are likely to intensify at upcoming MotoGP events, Marquez remains focused on proving his mettle on the track, aware that strong performances could bolster his case for a factory team placement. Following a close second-place finish behind Bagnaia in the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Marquez is demonstrating that he still possesses the speed and skill to compete at the highest levels, making his case for a factory team spot in 2025 all the more compelling.