A bold move with no safety net! That's how Gresini's MotoGP team manager, Michele Masini, describes the squad's decision to pursue Marc Marquez for the 2024 season. With no backup plan, Gresini took a leap of faith, and it paid off handsomely.
In the fall of 2023, rumors began swirling about a potential split between Marquez and Honda, a year before his contract was set to expire. Marquez, who had been recovering from a serious arm injury since 2020, was struggling to find his form with an underwhelming Honda bike. A test of the 2024 prototype at Misano only added to his disappointment.
But here's where it gets controversial... Marquez was linked to a move to the Gresini Ducati squad, riding a year-old bike for 2024. A bold move indeed! And it was confirmed just weeks later.
Marquez's performance with Gresini in 2024 was nothing short of impressive. He won three grands prix, finished third overall, and earned a well-deserved promotion to the factory Ducati team for 2025. With Ducati, he dominated the season, claiming his seventh MotoGP title.
In an interview, Masini revealed that Gresini had no alternate plans when the opportunity to sign Marquez arose. "When we started talking, we knew we had to deal with Honda first. It was a risky move, but we never considered a plan B. All the stars aligned, and we made it happen."
Marquez's approach was humble and collaborative. "He listened to everyone and had no demands. This created a united front, and it made him smile again. A happy rider is always a fast rider."
Despite Marquez's departure to the factory team, Gresini has had its best season yet with the Italian brand. Alex Marquez, Marc's brother, secured second place in the championship, achieving a historic 1-2 finish in the standings. His rookie teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, also dominated, winning the Indonesian Grand Prix for his first victory.
Gresini's success extends beyond the track. They've claimed Rookie of the Year, Best Independent Rider (Alex Marquez), and Best Independent Team accolades. With two rounds remaining, they've achieved four grand prix wins, one sprint success, and an impressive 25 podiums.
Lewis, a journalist with five years of MotoGP experience, joined the Crash.net team in August 2024, bringing his expertise to the forefront.
