Pablo Nieto, the team manager of Mooney VR46 Racing Team, has shared his thoughts on Marc Marquez’s anticipated move to Ducati for the upcoming MotoGP season.
In the coming hours, it is expected that Marc Marquez will announce his transition to ride for the Gresini Ducati team in the 2024 MotoGP season. The eight-time world champion is leaving the Honda factory team, seemingly weary of the disappointing results over the past three years. However, Marquez’s significant presence in the Ducati sphere has raised eyebrows among some industry insiders.
The MotoGP community is buzzing with curiosity about what Marquez can achieve with a Ducati, especially after years of injuries and underwhelming performances. While many believe the Ducati will be his redemption weapon, there are concerns that a rider of his stature might disrupt the harmonious balance that Ducati’s leadership has cultivated over years of hard work and dedication. Even Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati’s general manager, has expressed some reservations, though he feels honored that a talent like Marquez has chosen to ride a non-official Desmosedici.
In an interview with Nico Abad, Pablo Nieto discussed the year’s biggest news: the split between Marquez and Honda. He said, “When a rider with Marquez’s characteristics arrives, he obviously comes to win. He will want the best. It’s only natural for a rider of his caliber. But when you have an established atmosphere like Ducati’s, introducing another dominant figure isn’t easy.”
Marquez will undoubtedly face challenges, especially as he will have to adapt without his technical team and get accustomed to the Gresini Racing crew. Nieto believes Marquez is one of the fastest riders currently and expects him to adapt to the Ducati without much trouble. However, leaving behind his long-standing technical team might introduce some uncertainties.
Predicting Marquez’s performance at this stage is premature. Even the initial tests might not provide a clear picture of his potential in the next MotoGP season. But every lap on the Ducati will be crucial for him to mold his new racing weapon. The Ducati is fundamentally different from the RC213V he rode for over a decade. Nieto concluded by saying, “I believe he will notice a significant difference between the limits of the Honda and the limitless potential of the Ducati. Currently, the Ducati is a well-balanced machine: fast, stable, and highly agile.”