During a back-and-forth with sponsor Estrella Galicia 0.0 Alex Marquez took stock of a 2024 that was not quite in line with his own pre-season expectations.
Freewheeling on a number of topics, the Gresini Racing rider was quick to have words of praise for an awesome kid who made his mark in Moto3 by winning the title.
"David Alonso has been the surprise of the year. We had a chance to share some training sessions, and his mentality impressed me.
It's been a long time since I've found someone young like that. He has everything very clear in his head. I think it's also thanks to the Terol school," he declared.
Turning to his own championship, the Spaniard confided, "Having failed to meet expectations I learned a lot, I tried to analyze, get to know better the team and the bike that made me suffer, plus I had a chance to understand the pressure that an eight-time world champion like Marc suffers.
In general I took a step forward that I think I can use in 2025. The most important lesson was to get the most out of what you have at your disposal instead of looking to see if others are better off."
And on the first feelings he had riding the GP24 in the Valencia test, the Ducatista confessed. "It's a very different bike from the GP23.
On used tires I set the same time as on new tires with the old one. I was still fast and consistent and that is a good sign.
Overall it's better in corner entry and being designed for the new Michelin allows for more natural riding. The engine is also a little more performant and then there is the lowerer.
I'm looking forward to Thailand. The goal? After four to five races I will be able to say."
Next year at his side there will be Fermin Aldeguer. "It's important for me to have a young rider next to me who does things differently.
Today the jump from Moto2 to MotoGP is felt more because the Pirelli gives a lot of confidence, but before with the change from Dunlop to Michelin it was better.
Anyway, he has a lot of talent and I'm sure he will do very well, although I don't know at what times."
On his current box, however, he commented, "Being a family team, it is perfect if you are coming from a difficult time. I will stay at least until 2026.
Of course, the dream is to move to a factory squad."
Inevitable was the question about the duel between his brother and Bagnaia in the next World Championship. "In February we will get a clearer idea.
We'll have to see where Aprilia stands with Martin, Yamaha, and KTM, which is fielding a big squadron. Fewer Ducatis on the track means two fewer problems for us and also for the other brands," he pointed out.
Speaking instead about a pivotal man in the Borgo Panigale racing team who goes by the name of Gigi dall'Igna he said, "He gives a lot of confidence to the riders and is an important point of reference.
Where he doesn't arrive he knows how to direct to the right people. Nobody tells you what to do, but they explain what worked on the other bikes and then you discuss it with your technician.
It's an approach that conveys peace of mind." Finally on who will be the next MotoGP champion, the 28-year-old concluded, "My money is on Marc, but Pecco can count on more experience with Ducati."
