Marc Márquez: "It Won't Be a Championship Between Bagnaia and Me"

Marc Márquez attended his last event of the year with one of his lifelong sponsors, Estrella Galicia, with whom he hopes to continue in his new journey with the official Ducati team. In a press conference where the Cervera rider appeared relaxed, past the whirlwind of the championship, he even dared to answer anonymous questions drawn from a box. In fact, he did not shy away from one of the current hot topics, the controversy surrounding Jorge Martín's failed interview with David Broncano and all the noise generated around it.

When directly asked whether Marc Márquez prefers La Revuelta or El Hormiguero, the Catalan rider responded diplomatically and with poise: "When programs of that calibre call you, it's a good sign. It's logical that they want the champion and that everyone wants him on their shows. I've been to El Hormiguero many times and have good friends there, but I also really like La Revuelta. Which one would I go to tonight? It's nice to be on my sofa at home. It's not the time to go on a show. It's time to give the champion the spotlight. There are many times when the rider can't handle these things; he must have a team to manage these matters. When these things happen, it's not his responsibility."

Beyond these issues, the press conference focused on sports. Márquez reflected on the season of his rebirth as a rider. A year that, in importance, he equated to some seasons where he emerged as champion: "This year, the title wasn't won, but I gained much more on a personal level, like extending my sports career and not doubting whether to continue with it, something that crossed my mind before. I've found positive and good answers."

Reflecting on this salvaging 2024, the rider from Lleida was asked to pick a specific moment and, at the same time, if there was anything left undone: "In terms of feelings, I choose the first Valencia test a year ago because I was able to try a different MotoGP ten years later, and it was the biggest boost I've had this year. Then I choose two other important moments: the Jerez podium and the Aragón victory. Winning wasn't an obsession, but I pursued it all year. On the other hand, I can calmly say that I've accomplished everything I had written down in my notebook. Some might say, 'Didn't you have being champion written down?' No, I was realistic after four years without winning the title."

Another major question that arose when the best version of Marc Márquez was seen is whether he could have contested the title with Martín and Bagnaia if he had ridden their same bike. It's worth remembering that the Spaniard competed all season with a 2023 version of the Ducati, less competitive than the 2024 Ducati of his rivals. "I think I wouldn't have won either because I wasn't at my best to fight for a title, and Jorge and Pecco have had a great year. Maybe I would have been closer in terms of points, but I wouldn't have won it."

After closing the season in Barcelona, Márquez completed his first test with the official Ducati team last Tuesday, where the Cervera native tested the first prototype of the 2025 bike and also saw why the Italian brand is now the MotoGP benchmark: "Competition and life are action-reaction, and Ducati is clear about that. By Wednesday, I already had calls on my phone telling me 'we're going to take this path.' That's something I hadn't experienced until now."

Looking ahead to the next season, the Catalan rider is aware that the goal must be to reclaim the motorcycle crown six years later, but he does not foresee a scenario where he dominates: "I'm in the best team and with the best bike. I have the best possible tools, and it's in my hands to fight for it. I read that I'm going to dominate with the official Ducati, but we're in MotoGP, and my teammate has won 11 out of 20 races and finished second. Also, in sports, you don't live in the past; you live in the present, and young riders emerge. It won't be a championship between Bagnaia and me. There's Acosta, we have to see Martín with the Aprilia, Viñales with the KTM... It's difficult to win a championship."

And although Marc Márquez sees himself among the contenders, he prefers to be cautious when making a bet among the favourites for the 2025 title: "I'll tell you that before the championship starts in Thailand because in the preseason, you can already see who the favourites will be. I can tell you names that will be at the front, but who will win it... I hope and wish my name is there."