Gresini Racing will have the Márquez clan in its garage in 2024, with both riders on different sides when it comes to their relationship with the Ducati Desmosedici. While Álex has more experience with the bike, Marc didn’t hide his smiles on his debut at the Valencia tests and is even considered one of the main favourites to win the World Championship.
Looking at the statistics and the MotoGP record, the choice between who is favourite in the two-man duel seems obvious, but… is that really the case? Let’s see.
Marc Márquez has a vast curriculum and many world titles (six in MotoGP, one in Moto2 and another in 125cc), and many believe that if it weren’t for the long ordeal that began at the start of 2020 with the injury suffered in Jerez, the #93 would already be the most decorated rider ever, with a reign that would have continued with Honda.
On the other side of the garage will be Álex Márquez, a two-time world champion (once in Moto3, once in Moto2) who draws on his MotoGP experience precisely at the start of Honda’s biggest problems, in 2020, where results fell short of what many expected of him. In 2023 he made the switch to Ducati and since then he has shown a little more of the attributes and quality that he is recognised for.
So the brothers are starting 2024 on different sides of the garage and beyond: Álex has a year’s experience with the Desmosedici, where he has managed to return to winning ways and has shown many results in the top five or similar, and he will certainly not want to remain in Marc’s shadow or be known “just” for being his brother, as he once seemed to be – remembering his time with Honda and LCR.
Marc, on the other hand, surprised us, left a beautiful image at the end-of-season tests in Valencia and regained, after his first exit, a smile that had seemed so distant recently and that for sure raised the red flags for the competition. The former world champion, whether you like it or not, has a talent like few others, or perhaps even a true unique talent, and he showed a little of what could be to come… without even being used to the bike yet.
His impact has been such that many bookmakers are even putting him, by a wide margin, as the main favourite to win the World Championship in 2024, even ahead of Pecco Bagnaia or Jorge Martín.
Another aspect that must undeniably be remembered is the records Marc has (also) recorded on the negative side: 2023 was the year in which he crashed the most times, and with his stance at the controls of a bike, and looking to get to know the limits of the Desmosedici, it could mean – historically – a lot of crashes. Or not.
Marc Márquez could have a gradual and slower adaptation, which could give his brother Álex an advantage in this peculiar duel – already adapted and familiar with the bike, although it’s not to be discounted that Marc could also have a perfect “fit” into the Ducati.
At the press conference, Marc made it clear that Álex will be his main opponent, with the #73 noting that the pair have a very special relationship off the track that can serve as motivation for both of them, and a mutual support that can really benefit both.
Results won’t come until the season starts, but until then don’t forget: the Gresini Racing presentation is tomorrow!