Marc Marquez ended the 2024 World Championship with a second-place finish in the Solidarity Grand Prix in Barcelona that handed him the third step on the world championship podium. But it is not so much the standings at the end of the championship, nor is it the three GP wins in the season that make this year special for Marc.
The year 2024 was special because Marc returned to having fun and enjoying his racing on the bike, struggled at the top without always having to take risks, and returned to cherish the dream of being able to increase the number of titles won in his career, something he will certainly be able to do as early as next season.
Tuesday marks the beginning of the future for Marc, who returns to being an official rider and does so riding the best bike of the lot, namely a Ducati that this year has continued to win confirming itself without a doubt as the benchmark on the track.
"To me finishing third or fourth in the World Championship changed little, because I had no bonus in the contract. However, yesterday I asked Michele Masini 'Michele, does it change anything for you if I finish third or fourth in the championship?' His answer was, 'yes, it does change something for us.' So I told him, 'Okay, I understand, tell me no more.' In fact, the last five laps I was looking at the tower to see where Bastianini was."
How were you physically today?
"Today was difficult for me, yesterday in the Sprint I suffered a lot and also last night I didn't sleep much. In the end I raced more or less with the same bike I used in FP1, I felt better in the warm up and at least I could race my way, with my weaknesses but also being able to take advantage of my strengths.
In the last 5 laps I tried to close the gap on Pecco, but every time I got closer the front temperature went up and it became difficult. Today Pecco was faster than me, but at least I would say that this is a good conclusion for this beautiful chapter of my career with Gresini, where I had a lot of fun. I think this is the best way to thank them."
Do you feel you owe something to Gresini?
"I came to this team at a really difficult time in my career, the decision I made in 2023 was a difficult one, and I always have to thank Honda for understanding my situation, as I have to thank Gresini for giving me this chance.
I always worked with a beautiful group this season and that helped me to be reborn, to rebuild my confidence. This podium was important, third place in the world championship certainly doesn't change my life, but for a satellite team it changes a lot."
Did you also think you could beat Pecco?
"Yes, at one point in the race I thought maybe it would be possible to pass Bagnaia. But really when I was approaching I couldn't find any point where it would be plausible to attack him, because I was coming in the braking points too far away from him.
I was only catching him in the left turns...but that's only two! There I was thinking about it, but then in the last laps he was smooth in his riding, I was suffering, so it was time for me to use my brain."
Any words for Martín?
"Today is Jorge's day, the champion. He deserved it, he was very fast, he handled every situation very well. Congratulations to him, the family and the team. The first title in MotoGP is always the really special one, I hope he enjoys it a lot."
Instead, what do you say to this season's Marc Marquez?
"From my point of view, the return I made to the top after the last four years is something that makes me proud. Let's see what I can do in the next two years in an official team, I know I will have a very strong teammate and I will have the best reference in my garage.
He won 11 races this year, he was very fast everywhere. It will be very good, I will try to be professional in the garage and adapt to that way of working. It will change my team of men, but I think with the information we have gathered this year, it will be easier."
What grade would you give yourself?
"I would give myself an eight, because in my opinion a nine or 10 should be reserved for those who fought for the title. I approached Ducati calmly and the team calmly, I started to understand step by step how to move, then I started to find myself in front, I led a few laps and then the podiums and even the wins came. It feels like a good starting point."
You're going back to an official team, the pressure will increase.
"Racing in an official team obviously puts pressure on you, because you have to race every GP at least for the podium, to always try to win. I will certainly try, I would like to do my best. My first approach will be all about adapting to the team's working method and also to the bike, which is different."
