Marc Márquez Already Looking to 2025: ‘It Will Be Easier to Fight for Victories, But… Bagnaia Will Be the Reference in the Box’
As the 2024 MotoGP season draws to a close, Marc Márquez has already shifted his gaze towards the 2025 season. After a tumultuous few years characterized by injury struggles and the challenges of adjusting to new dynamics within his team, Márquez is eager to face the future with renewed confidence. Yet, he remains realistic about the hurdles ahead, acknowledging that while he expects the upcoming season to be more favorable, there’s no question that Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia will remain the rider to beat.
A New Chapter in 2025
For Márquez, 2025 represents a fresh start. After several seasons battling both personal and technical setbacks, the eight-time world champion has been carefully planning his comeback. The 2024 season has provided some glimpses of his resilience and determination, but it is in 2025 that he expects to truly regain his footing.
“Next year is about laying the groundwork,” Márquez shared recently in an interview, “But 2025 is when I feel everything will fall into place. The team has made significant strides, and I’m feeling physically stronger with each race. We’ve had some encouraging moments in 2024, but 2025 is where we aim to see the full potential.”
A key factor in Márquez’s anticipation for 2025 is the evolution of his motorcycle. Acknowledging the technical progress made by his team, Márquez believes that the adjustments and development in 2024 will translate into a more competitive package by the next season. This optimism is tempered with realism, however. Márquez acknowledges that the road back to the top will not be without its obstacles.
The Path to Competitiveness
The 2024 season has been a rebuilding phase for Márquez, filled with flashes of brilliance but marred by inconsistency. A series of podium finishes in the latter half of the season have boosted morale, and the long-awaited technical improvements from his manufacturer have started to show promise. Márquez notes that while the current bike still requires fine-tuning, the foundation for 2025 looks promising.
“The 2024 bike is getting closer to where it needs to be,” he said. “We’ve identified areas of weakness, and the team is working hard to address them. It’s not perfect yet, but I can feel that we’re moving in the right direction. 2025 should bring a better balance and more consistent performance.”
For Márquez, the next season is about putting himself back in a position to fight for podiums consistently. He acknowledges that the gap to the front runners has been closing, but the key is to maintain that trajectory. “We need to make sure that we keep improving, step by step. I don’t expect miracles, but I do expect progress. And that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Pecco Bagnaia: The Rider to Beat
Despite his optimism for 2025, Márquez is clear on one point—Francesco Bagnaia will be the standard against which all other riders measure themselves. The 2023 and 2024 seasons have seen Bagnaia emerge as a dominant force, securing a string of victories that have cemented his status as a leading contender in the MotoGP paddock. For Márquez, there is no doubt that Bagnaia’s consistency, speed, and ability to manage races make him the rider to watch.
“Pecco has shown incredible maturity in the past seasons,” Márquez admitted. “He’s become a complete rider—fast in qualifying, strategic in races, and consistent over the course of a season. If you want to win, you have to be able to beat him. That’s the challenge I’m embracing.”
Bagnaia’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by the rest of the paddock. His skill in managing tire wear, handling adverse conditions, and adapting to different circuits has made him a formidable opponent. Márquez knows that in 2025, to regain his place among the elite, he will need to raise his game to a level that can match or surpass Bagnaia’s.
Márquez’s Strategy for 2025: A Return to His Roots
In planning for his 2025 campaign, Márquez has made it clear that he intends to return to his racing roots. The Spaniard is known for his aggressive and fearless riding style—traits that earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting racers in MotoGP history. However, injuries and the evolution of the sport have forced him to adapt and change his approach in recent years.
“To be competitive in 2025, I’ll need to find a balance between the aggression that brought me success and the maturity I’ve gained over the past few years,” Márquez explained. “It’s not just about pushing harder; it’s about racing smarter. I’ve learned a lot from my battles and setbacks, and I intend to use that knowledge to my advantage.”
One of the areas Márquez aims to improve is his physical fitness. Despite his remarkable recovery from serious injuries, he acknowledges that he is not yet at his peak. A comprehensive training regimen is in place, and he plans to focus on regaining the strength and stamina that once made him a formidable presence on the track.
Technical Evolution: The Key to Success
Márquez is candid about the fact that much of his 2025 success will hinge on the evolution of his motorcycle. He has pushed his team to focus on key areas such as cornering stability, acceleration, and overall power management. While he acknowledges that his rivals, particularly Ducati, have made impressive strides, he believes that his team has the potential to close the gap.
“We’ve seen how crucial it is to have a bike that performs well in all conditions,” Márquez said. “That’s where Bagnaia and Ducati have an edge—they have a package that works everywhere. For us, it’s about finding those final improvements that will make us competitive on every track, not just a few.”
What’s at Stake for Márquez in 2025
The 2025 season will be crucial for Márquez, not just in terms of racing but also for his legacy. A successful return to form would cement his status as one of the greatest riders in the sport’s history, while a disappointing season could raise questions about his future in the sport. Márquez, however, is unfazed by the pressure.
“I’ve faced doubts before, and I’ve overcome them,” he remarked confidently. “What matters is that I love racing, and I still have the drive to win. 2025 is about proving to myself that I can still be at the top.”
A Season of High Hopes and Realistic Expectations
As Marc Márquez looks ahead to 2025, his words reflect a mix of optimism and realism. He is eager to put the struggles of recent years behind him and once again become a force to be reckoned with. Yet, he is also pragmatic, acknowledging that the path to victory will not be easy. Bagnaia’s dominance remains a significant challenge, and Márquez knows he must be at his absolute best to compete.
The 2025 MotoGP season is set to be a crucial one for Márquez, and fans around the world will be watching closely as he embarks on what could be a defining chapter in his storied career. With his eyes set firmly on the future, Márquez is preparing to give everything he has to challenge the new guard and prove that the old champion still has plenty of fight left in him.
