In a candid revelation that surprised MotoGP fans and insiders, Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP world champion, shared that leaving Ducati in favor of either Aprilia or KTM for the 2025 season was “a feasible option.” This admission came amidst Marquez’s reflective look back at his decision-making process when contemplating a switch to Gresini Racing, Ducati’s independent team, for 2024 and beyond. Known for his tenacity and unyielding drive, Marquez’s consideration of other top-performing European manufacturers points to a shift in his strategic approach to achieving success in the highly competitive MotoGP environment.
The Context of Marquez’s Departure from Honda
For over a decade, Marc Marquez was synonymous with Honda, not only as their primary talent but as a significant part of the brand’s racing legacy. His partnership with the Japanese manufacturer brought them multiple titles, yet the recent years were marked by struggle and frustration. Marquez suffered through several injuries and a challenging period where Honda’s bike no longer matched the pace set by competitors like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM. This culminated in Marquez’s decision to part ways with Honda at the end of the 2023 season, marking the end of an era.
When Marquez ultimately signed with Gresini Racing, a Ducati-backed independent team, it was seen as a bold move. Yet, it turns out that the decision wasn’t as straightforward as it might have appeared. In recent interviews, Marquez admitted that he seriously weighed offers from Aprilia and KTM, both European manufacturers that have seen notable success in recent seasons. According to Marquez, both manufacturers had become serious contenders, each with its unique advantages that made them worthy alternatives to Ducati.
Why Aprilia and KTM Were Contenders
Marquez’s admiration for both Aprilia and KTM is rooted in their steady growth and accomplishments on the track. Over the past few years, both brands have mounted a formidable challenge to the dominance of the Japanese manufacturers, with Ducati leading the charge among the European teams. Marquez explained that the decision to switch to Ducati was more nuanced than just choosing a brand; it was a strategic choice considering other options with similar growth trajectories.
Aprilia, for example, has witnessed a resurgence in recent years. The Italian brand invested heavily in development, and the results began to show, especially under the leadership of Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales. Aprilia achieved multiple podium finishes, demonstrating that its RS-GP bike was no longer just a mid-pack competitor. The improvements in Aprilia’s bike made it an attractive option for Marquez, who could have brought his championship-winning experience to further elevate the brand.
KTM, on the other hand, has also enjoyed an impressive ascent within MotoGP. Known for its aggressive racing philosophy and technical prowess, KTM’s RC16 has been a force to be reckoned with. Riders like Brad Binder and Jack Miller have showcased the bike’s potential, especially in tricky conditions where KTM’s bold engineering choices often shine. Marquez noted that KTM’s recent performances and their commitment to aggressive development made them a viable contender when he considered his future options.
Weighing the Options: Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM
The decision to join Gresini Racing was not just about the potential of Ducati’s machinery but also about the team’s environment and structure. Ducati’s Desmosedici GP bikes have consistently demonstrated their dominance in terms of speed, adaptability, and track record. However, Marquez explained that the consideration of Aprilia and KTM showed he was not solely motivated by Ducati’s success. Instead, he saw potential paths to success with Aprilia or KTM, two brands that he felt had sufficient promise to fulfill his aspirations for another world championship.
One factor Marquez likely weighed was the level of support and resources available at each team. With Ducati, even as part of an independent team like Gresini, Marquez would have access to a tried-and-tested machine, albeit without the full support that factory riders enjoy. Aprilia and KTM, both still eager to establish themselves as frontrunners in MotoGP, might have been willing to offer Marquez a more direct role in bike development and greater support, similar to a factory-level engagement.
For Aprilia, signing a rider of Marquez’s caliber could have provided the brand with additional leverage to refine their machine. Similarly, KTM, with its distinctive engineering approach, might have welcomed Marquez’s feedback to fine-tune their aggressive development process. Both brands have been known for their openness to rider input, which might have appealed to Marquez given his frustrations with Honda’s rigid development practices.
Why Ducati Ultimately Won Marquez’s Choice
Despite the allure of Aprilia’s and KTM’s promising programs, Marquez chose Ducati, a brand that has undeniably set the benchmark for MotoGP performance in recent years. Ducati’s competitive advantage lies in its Desmosedici GP bike, which has redefined what MotoGP machines can achieve, both in terms of raw power and innovation. For Marquez, this represented a unique opportunity to be competitive right out of the gate with a bike that has a proven record of excellence.
Ducati’s strong recent performance also provides Marquez a better chance at adding to his championship tally. The switch from Honda to Ducati signifies Marquez’s strategic recognition that winning another title requires a competitive machine capable of dominating the grid. Gresini’s Ducati setup allows him to harness the power of the Desmosedici while providing an environment that is less pressure-laden than a full factory team—potentially giving him room to adapt and thrive.
Marquez’s Perspective on the Future of MotoGP
Marquez’s acknowledgment that Ducati was not the only “feasible” choice highlights the changing landscape of MotoGP. European manufacturers have revolutionized the championship, offering top riders multiple pathways to victory and posing a challenge to the long-standing dominance of Japanese brands. Marquez’s openness to considering other European brands suggests he believes the gap between the likes of Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM has narrowed to the point where they are all serious title contenders.
Reflecting on his decision, Marquez shared that while he ultimately chose Ducati, he sees tremendous potential in both Aprilia and KTM. His words underscore a broader trend within MotoGP, where multiple manufacturers now have competitive bikes capable of winning races and championships. Marquez even speculated that, with the right investment and development, both brands could potentially match Ducati’s success in the coming years.
What This Means for Marquez’s Legacy
Marquez’s willingness to consider multiple options speaks volumes about his adaptability and hunger for victory. As he transitions into the next phase of his career, he aims to secure a seventh championship—a goal that would put him among the elite in the sport’s history. By opting for Ducati while acknowledging the potential of other European brands, Marquez has shown a pragmatic side that bodes well for his future success.
This decision also means that his legacy is no longer tied to a single manufacturer. By stepping away from Honda and being open to joining any brand capable of winning, Marquez is paving the way for a more diverse and open-ended conclusion to his career. His consideration of brands like Aprilia and KTM reflects his willingness to adapt and embrace the sport’s evolving dynamics.
A New Era for MotoGP’s Competitive Landscape
Marquez’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into MotoGP’s shifting landscape. The era of Japanese dominance has given way to an environment where European brands, through a combination of innovation and relentless pursuit, are leading the charge. With stars like Marquez eyeing these options, the MotoGP grid is becoming more competitive and unpredictable, setting the stage for a thrilling future.
As Marquez embarks on this new chapter with Ducati, his revelations about Aprilia and KTM serve as a reminder that MotoGP’s competitive balance is changing. For Marquez, 2025 will not only be a test of his resilience but also a testament to how the sport itself has transformed—where a single rider’s choice can redefine a season and, potentially, the legacy of the brand he represents. The world will be watching to see if Marquez’s decision to choose Ducati proves to be the right one or if his musings on Aprilia and KTM will come back into play down the road.
