Marc Marquez's future decided while pundits discuss who will win the 2025 championship

Crash.net contributors forecast the victor of this year's MotoGP championship

Our specialists have presented their cases for the motorcyclist they believe will clinch the 2025 MotoGP title…

Alex Whitworth suggests that the competition for the 2024 MotoGP championship is expected to be a duel between Ducati's leading riders, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, given Ducati's superior performance this season and the noticeable dip in caliber among its affiliated teams' riders.

Over the last four years, Bagnaia has emerged as the championship's top performer, while Marquez holds the title of the sport's greatest rider of all time.

Bagnaia's tendency to err was a significant factor in his failure to secure the championship last season. Now, facing an opponent who possesses greater innate skill, higher levels of aggression, and potentially superior strategic acumen in racing, presents a formidable obstacle to surmount.

There's a possibility for Bagnaia to clinch the championship, yet Marquez is likely to surpass him.

The secret to Marquez's triumph in 2025 will undeniably lie in maintaining his health, a feat he achieved for the first time since 2019 throughout the entirety of 2024. His advantages over Bagnaia include superior speed, greater experience, and a more adept handling of the championship's pressures.

Chances are, he'll outperform Bagnaia in most of their races starting side by side, but Marquez's quickness won't matter if he ends up watching from the sidelines.

Lewis Duncan: The competition for this year's world championship stands out as particularly captivating, marking the first occasion since 2019 where Marc Marquez emerges as a strong contender for the championship title.

In 2024, his comeback season with Gresini resulted in triumphs at three Grand Prix events. Despite competing on the older GP23 bikes, he regularly challenged for podium finishes. Facing Francesco Bagnaia, arguably Ducati's most accomplished rider statistically, might not be as straightforward as anticipated.

Throughout his career competing for the championship, Bagnaia has demonstrated a lack of consistency, in contrast to Marquez, who, in his quest for six premier class titles, only saw two of them decided in the final round battles over the years.

Jorge Martin demonstrated in 2024 that maintaining a consistent performance throughout the sprint/grand prix season holds greater value than possessing sheer speed. Reflecting on Marquez's final world championship victory in 2019, he secured first place in 12 races and was the runner-up in the remaining ones, with only one failure to finish (DNF) throughout the entire year.

During a discussion on Crash.net's MotoGP Podcast, Frankie Carchedi, who will be Marquez's crew chief in 2024, expressed a high level of optimism, foreseeing the eight-time world champion as the standout competitor in this year's season.

Should that fail to persuade you, I'm at a loss for what will.

Test color schemes from 2012, 2023, and 2024 for Marc Marquez showcased 🏍️⚪🔵🔴 #MotoGP via Crash MotoGP's post, January 9, 2025.

Jordan Moreland believes that the competition for the 2025 championship will likely come down to two individuals.

Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez are teammates, both racing under the Ducati banner. It's believed that Ducati's superior performance will enable them to outpace their competitors, setting the stage for a showdown between the two for the ultimate prize.

Bagnaia had an exceptional year in 2024, overcoming 8 non-finishes to secure victories in 11 Grand Prix races, marking a remarkable achievement. The upcoming seasons of 2025 and 2026 present a significant challenge for him, as he will be teaming up with Marc Marquez.

In 2024, Marquez silenced critics by securing three Grand Prix victories and achieving 20 podium finishes with the previous year's GP23. With the upgrade to the newest Ducati model and his return to the factory team setting, it's anticipated that Marquez will enhance his performance further, likely surpassing Pecco in the process.

I'm eager for a tight competition since the sport would benefit from it, and observing the team interactions evolve throughout 2025 promises to be intriguing.

In my view, Marquez is set to clinch the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, driven by his unwavering passion to secure another title. It would be truly remarkable to witness him achieving this feat, especially after the series of injuries he has faced since 2020.

Peter McLaren suggests that the duo from Ducati Lenovo ought to be seen as the primary contenders for the championship, although the complete capabilities of the GP25 have yet to be revealed. During the Barcelona trials, the prototype of the GP25 didn't significantly outperform its competitors, indicating that those competing against Ducati (including riders on the satellite GP24 bikes) might still have a chance.

Nonetheless, Ducati typically prioritizes the development of the new engine, particularly with a two-year freeze commencing, and subsequently shifts attention to the chassis and aerodynamics. Therefore, significant advancements for the GP25 are anticipated during the tests in Sepang and Buriram.

Francesco Bagnaia's path to triumph hinges on correcting the errors from the previous season, maintaining his pace that can clinch races, and avoiding being sidetracked by Marc Marquez's return.

For Marquez, the challenge lies in his speed of adjustment to a fresh setting, as he joins a team accustomed to winning for the first time, and how he will gel with his new crew chief, Marco Rigamonti.

Marquez has expressed his intention to narrow the gap to [Pecco], who he identifies as the benchmark at Ducati and “the one setting the pace during this preseason and the initial races.” For the moment, I concur, positioning Pecco as the frontrunner before the tests and initial competitions begin, yet acknowledging that the situation could swiftly shift.

Derry Munikartono believes Marc Marquez will be the one.

Following a remarkable comeback with Gresini Ducati, where he clinched three Grand Prix victories on a bike that was already a year old, Marc is confident in his ability to reclaim the MotoGP world championship title. He believes that with the right motorcycle and team, he can achieve this goal – a combination he has secured through his elevation to Ducati Lenovo in 2025.

To accomplish this goal, he must outperform his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, who has already established himself within Ducati. This is no easy feat, as Marc has acknowledged that Pecco is expected to be the team's leading figure at the start of the season.

Throughout the season, we could anticipate a few intense encounters between the pair of competitors, yet it seems Marquez might just have a marginal advantage over Bagnaia in the race for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

Stability is key, and given Bagnaia's uneven performance in the 2024 season – participating in 11 Grand Prix without securing the championship, due to eight races where he failed to score – it seems likely that Marc would clinch the title by a very narrow margin.

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Yamaha acknowledges significant concern regarding KTM's economic issues

"Perhaps I struggle to fully accept it."

Yamaha's MotoGP chief has expressed his worries regarding the financial difficulties faced by KTM.

The motorcycle world was taken aback when KTM unexpectedly entered into self-administration towards the end of last year, grappling with debts close to €1.8 billion.

They have asserted that it will not affect their MotoGP racing schedule.

"Neither side has a strong case," Yamaha team boss Maio Meregalli explained to GPOne.

My knowledge is derived from my reading material.

"It's difficult for me to envision the repercussions. They continue to refute the idea that the racing will encounter issues."

"Perhaps I struggle to fully accept it."

"The Japanese community is also concerned given that this scenario benefits no one. We have yet to thoroughly discuss this topic."

Yamaha has faced significant challenges, though their issues have been confined to the realm of competitive racing.

The inclusion of the Pramac satellite squad will boost Yamaha this season, as it doubles the number of riders available to supply data.

Nonetheless, the apparent issues faced by KTM pose a concern for their competitors in MotoGP, all of whom are keen to avoid a situation akin to Suzuki's withdrawal.

KTM is implementing a self-developed 100-point strategy to address their financial challenges, maintaining their dedication to participating in MotoGP.

However, they haven't succeeded in stopping the speculation about their leading player, Pedro Acosta, potentially transferring to another team.

Ducati is one of several potential options if Acosta decides to pursue opportunities beyond his current situation.

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"Insiders at Ducati were skeptical," yet for Marc Marquez, "the situation is unique"

Andrea Dovizioso is adamant that Ducati will not repeat their error

Andrea Dovizioso asserts that Marc Marquez joining Ducati is unlike any of the major acquisitions the team has made before.

In previous times, Ducati's efforts were not successful despite recruiting Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

At last, with the top-performing MotoGP motorcycle at their disposal, they are set to welcome Marquez into their official team.

Andrea Dovizioso, an experienced Ducati racer in the quest for the MotoGP championship, asserts that Marquez joining the team does not equate to Lorenzo's earlier arrival.

"Dovizioso explained to GPOne that while the circumstances might appear alike, they are actually distinct."

Lorenzo was selected due to doubts within Ducati regarding the capability of the riders they had initially chosen to succeed.

"Regarding Marc, conversely, his choice is straightforward because they possess a champion internally, and the motorcycle is proven to be victorious already."

In 2016, Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone were part of Ducati's racing team, prior to the company deciding to recruit Jorge Lorenzo, a rider who had already clinched three championships.

In 2017, Iannone switched to Suzuki, paving the way for Lorenzo. However, his tenure of two years fell short of expectations.

Currently, Ducati is excelling in their field and has selected Marquez over Jorge Martin for their 2025 premier team lineup.

"Dovizioso recommends that Pecco should replicate his previous year's strategy by concentrating on his personal strengths and maximizing his abilities, rather than getting distracted by external factors."

Having Lorenzo in the box provided me with a chance to develop and proved to be beneficial. Indeed, I expanded.

"Utilizing such a reference can aid in enhancement."

"Nonetheless, there's a critical element to consider. It's essential to concentrate on your own journey, as paying excessive attention to others may lead you astray."

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Andrea Dovizioso is confident Ducati has learned from past oversights, acknowledging that while there was skepticism internally about their capabilities, the situation has changed with Marc Marquez on board.

Andrea Dovizioso states that Marc Marquez joining Ducati is unlike any of the major signings the team has seen before.

In past seasons, Ducati's strategy of signing Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi did not yield the desired results.

At last, with the top motorcycle from MotoGP, they are set to welcome Marquez into their official team.

Andrea Dovizioso, experienced with Ducati's challenges in clinching the MotoGP championship, maintains that Marquez joining the team doesn't equate to Lorenzo's move.

"Dovizioso emphasized to GPOne that while the circumstances appear alike, they are distinct."

Lorenzo was chosen due to skepticism from certain individuals within Ducati regarding the potential of the riders they had initially backed to succeed.

"Regarding Marc, conversely, it boils down to a straightforward choice, as they currently possess a champion within their team, and the motorcycle has already proven to be victorious."

In 2016, Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone rode for Ducati, prior to the company's decision to recruit three-time champion Lorenzo.

In 2017, Iannone transitioned to Suzuki, paving the way for Lorenzo. However, his time there over two years failed to meet the high expectations set for him.

Currently, Ducati is leading in performance and has selected Marquez over Jorge Martin for their 2025 premier team lineup.

"Dovizioso recommended that Pecco should concentrate on his own abilities and maximize his potential, just as he did the previous year, without paying too much attention to external factors."

Having Lorenzo in the box allowed me to develop further and provided me with a benefit. Indeed, I experienced growth.

"Having such a reference is beneficial for enhancement."

"Nonetheless, it's crucial to maintain a self-centered approach. Dedicating excessive attention to others may ultimately lead you astray."

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Gresini unveils 2025 MotoGP paint scheme in Imola

Ducati's partner team reveals new 2025 colors

On Saturday, at the legendary Imola track, the Gresini Ducati team revealed their latest color scheme for the 2025 MotoGP season during a special ceremony.

The 2025 season represents Gresini's fourth year as an autonomous team, following a period from 2015 to the close of 2021 during which it managed Aprilia's official team operations.

At their unveiling event in Imola, the team showcased an updated color scheme for 2025, showcasing a reduction in red compared to last year's design.

Gresini will continue to utilize Ducati bikes, featuring a team that includes Alex Marquez alongside newcomer Fermin Aldeguer for this racing season.

Marquez is back for his third season with the team, having previously celebrated race wins and major grand prix top finishes.

Following an impressive debut year with his team in 2023, Marquez found it challenging to maintain his performance level on the GP23 in the subsequent season, achieving only a single podium finish. He concluded the season ranked eighth in the championship standings.

Aldeguer has advanced from Moto2 after inking a contract with Ducati early last year, filling the spot previously held by Marc Marquez at Gresini.

Following a standout sophomore season in the intermediate division, where he clinched five grand prix victories and rocketed to third place in the overall standings.

Last year presented challenges for Aldeguer, who secured three victories yet ended up fifth in the overall rankings, marking a season of inconsistency on the MT Helmets-managed Boscoscuro frame.

Marquez and Aldeguer are set to compete using GP24 motorcycles this season, the same model that Jorge Martin rode to victory in last year's championship with Pramac.

Aldeguer had his first outing on the motorcycle during the off-season test in Barcelona last November, where he emerged as the leading newcomer in the timing rankings.

At 19 years old, this individual is among three newcomers to the 2025 racing lineup, joining ex-Moto2 colleague and current titleholder Ai Ogura at Trackhouse, as well as two-time Grand Prix victor Somkiat Chantra at LCR.

Gresini has become the third squad to reveal its colors for the 2025 season, following Trackhouse, which initiated the series of launches last Tuesday.

Last Thursday, the Aprilia racing team announced that Jorge Martin will compete with the number 1 on his RS-GP motorcycle this season.

The Ducati team is set to unveil its 2025 lineup on Monday, January 20th, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia in Italy.

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Alex Marquez Targets Maiden MotoGP Victory in 2025: “I Believe We Stand a Good Chance”

Gresini Racing Team Unveils 2025 Season Ambitions at Official Launch

Alex Marquez is confident that he has numerous opportunities to secure his initial MotoGP grand prix win during the 2025 season with Gresini Ducati.

The younger sibling of the Marquez family is embarking on his third season with the Gresini team, having secured wins in sprint races and achieved podium finishes over the last two years.

However, despite having competed in MotoGP for five years, Marquez has yet to secure a grand prix win, a situation exacerbated last year when the GP23 underperformed compared to the factory Ducatis more than expected.

Transitioning to the GP24 for the current season, Marquez, having led the November Barcelona test on this motorcycle, is hopeful about his prospects of achieving his first-ever victory in the premier class.

"He expressed optimism about their prospects after unveiling Gresini's 2025 colors at Imola."

"Initially, it's crucial for us to adopt an effective approach, focusing on performing well as we did towards the end of the season, particularly in the final two races and the Montmelo test. During that time, we operated without any stress, simply focusing on our tasks and paying attention to our own setup."

"Our team delivered an outstanding performance. Despite being small in size, we possess the mindset and everything necessary to lead."

"We'll give our utmost effort, aiming to kick off on a strong footing. After the initial four races, we'll have a clearer understanding of our position and performance level."

After competing in the 2024 season alongside his sibling Marc Marquez, even achieving a podium finish together at the German GP, Alex Marquez will team up with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer for this season.

Marquez believes that Aldeguer's transition from Moto2 will introduce a positive dynamic to the Gresini team.

"From the instant Fermin's arrival was announced, I've been eager to observe the fresh talent and mindset he brings, his speed, and without a doubt, he's poised for an extensive and successful stint in MotoGP, with plenty of years ahead of him," he further expressed.

"It's refreshing to see riders from Moto2 transition to MotoGP, bringing with them numerous positive attributes from their Moto2 experience."

"Thus, by tapping into that possibility, I believe we'll uncover valuable elements in the mix, enabling us to collaborate closely and discover optimal solutions."

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Gresini unveils 2025 MotoGP design at Imola

The Satellite Ducati team is the newest to reveal its 2025 color scheme

On Saturday, the Gresini Ducati team revealed their latest paint scheme for the 2025 MotoGP season during an event held at the legendary Imola racetrack.

The 2025 season represents the fourth campaign for Gresini since it became a fully independent team again, after managing Aprilia's factory team from 2015 through the end of 2021.

During the unveiling event at Imola, the team introduced an updated design for their 2025 car, showcasing a livery with reduced red compared to the previous year's version.

Gresini is set to continue using Ducati bikes and will feature Alex Marquez along with newcomer Fermin Aldeguer in their team this season.

Marquez is back for his third season with the team, where he has previously achieved sprint race wins and podium finishes in grand prix events.

Following an impressive debut season with the team in 2023, Marquez found it challenging to match that performance on the GP23 in the subsequent season, managing to secure only one podium finish. He concluded the year ranked eighth in the standings.

Aldeguer is moving up from the Moto2 category after securing a contract with Ducati early last year, and he will be replacing Marc Marquez at the Gresini team.

This followed an impressive second season in the intermediate category, where he claimed victory in five grand prix races and climbed to third place in the championship standings.

Last year was challenging for Aldeguer. Although he achieved three victories, he ended up in fifth place overall due to an uneven performance season with the MT Helmets-operated Boscoscuro chassis.

This year, both Marquez and Aldeguer will compete using GP24 motorcycles, the same model that Jorge Martin rode to win the championship last season while with the Pramac team.

Aldeguer had his first experience on the bike during the post-season test in Barcelona last November, where he emerged as the fastest newcomer according to the timesheets.

A 19-year-old racer is set to join the 2025 lineup, marking one of three fresh entries. He will be competing alongside his ex-Moto2 teammate and current champion, Ai Ogura, who will be riding for Trackhouse. Additionally, Somkiat Chantra, a two-time grand prix victor, will represent LCR.

Gresini has become the third team to reveal its vehicle design for the 2025 season, following Trackhouse, which started the launch events last Tuesday.

Last Thursday, the official Aprilia team announced that Jorge Martin will compete this year using the #1 number on his RS-GP.

The official Ducati team is set to unveil its 2025 lineup on Monday, January 20, featuring Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia in Italy.

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Alex Marquez is aiming for his first MotoGP victory in 2025: "I believe we have many opportunities"

Gresini team rider discusses the upcoming 2025 season during the team's launch event.

Alex Marquez is optimistic about his prospects of securing his first MotoGP race win in the 2025 season while riding for Gresini Ducati.

The younger Marquez sibling is beginning his third season with the Gresini team, following a couple of years marked by sprint race wins and podium finishes.

However, five years into his MotoGP career, Marquez has yet to secure a grand prix win. His opportunities were hindered last year as the GP23 fell further behind the factory Ducatis than expected.

Having transitioned to the GP24 for this season, Marquez, who led the Barcelona test on this motorcycle in November, is hopeful about his prospects of finally reaching the highest spot on the podium in the premier class.

After the unveiling of Gresini's 2025 livery at Imola, he expressed optimism about their prospects, stating, "I believe we have numerous opportunities to succeed."

"Initially, we must focus on working effectively, similar to how we approached the end of the season. This includes the final two races and the Montmelo test, where we operated without pressure, concentrating solely on our tasks and monitoring our own team."

"Our team delivered an outstanding performance. Despite our small size, we possess the mindset and everything necessary to lead the way."

"We'll give it our all from the start and after the first four races, we'll assess our performance and determine our standing."

After racing alongside his brother, Marc Marquez, during the 2024 season and celebrating a podium finish together at the German Grand Prix, Alex Marquez will be teaming up with rookie Fermin Aldeguer this year.

According to Marquez, Aldeguer's transition from Moto2 will introduce a refreshing change that will benefit the Gresini team.

"Right from the time they announced Fermin would be joining us, I’ve been eager to witness the upcoming generation in action. I’m curious about his speed and mindset, and I’m confident that he will have a successful career in MotoGP with plenty of years ahead of him," he mentioned.

"It's refreshing to see riders from Moto2 joining MotoGP, as they bring a lot of positive attributes from their Moto2 experience."

"In order to harness that potential, I believe we will have valuable resources at our disposal. By collaborating closely, we can explore these opportunities thoroughly to identify the most effective solutions."

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Yamaha expresses significant concern regarding KTM's monetary issues.

"I find it somewhat difficult to fully accept this situation."

The head of Yamaha's MotoGP team has expressed his worry regarding KTM's financial difficulties.

In a surprising move that caught many in the motorcycle world off guard, KTM filed for self-administration towards the end of last year, burdened by debts amounting to approximately €1.8 billion.

They have maintained that their MotoGP racing schedule will remain unaffected.

Yamaha's team manager, Maio Meregalli, mentioned to GPOne that the situation is not favorable for either side.

"My knowledge is based on what I have read."

"I find it difficult to foresee the outcomes. They continue to refuse to acknowledge that the racing will face issues."

"It seems I struggle to fully accept it."

"The Japanese are concerned as this situation is unfavorable for everyone involved. We have not discussed this topic thoroughly before."

Yamaha has faced significant challenges, although these issues are confined to the realm of racing.

Yamaha's performance this season is expected to improve with the inclusion of the Pramac satellite team, as it will allow them to have twice as many riders contributing information.

The issues that KTM is facing are causing concern for competing manufacturers in MotoGP, as none of them wish to witness a departure similar to that of Suzuki.

KTM is presently implementing a self-developed strategy consisting of 100 steps to address their financial challenges, all while maintaining their dedication to participating in MotoGP.

However, they have not been successful in stopping the speculation connecting their key player, Pedro Acosta, to a potential transfer to another team.

Ducati is one of several interested parties if Acosta decides to explore other opportunities.

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"Ducati's team members were skeptical," but Marc Marquez presents a unique situation. Andrea Dovizioso is confident that Ducati will avoid repeating past errors.

Andrea Dovizioso argues that Marc Marquez joining Ducati is unlike past instances of renowned riders signing with the team.

In the past, Ducati did not succeed when they brought in Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

At last, having secured MotoGP's top motorcycle, they are set to welcome Marquez into their official team garage.

Andrea Dovizioso, who has experienced Ducati's challenges in securing the MotoGP championship, asserts that Marquez joining the team is different from when Lorenzo did.

"The circumstances might appear alike, yet they are distinct," Dovizioso explained to GPOne.

Lorenzo was brought on board because certain individuals within Ducati lacked faith in the riders they had initially chosen to secure victory.

Regarding Marc, it's merely a matter of choice because the team already possesses a top rider and their motorcycle is proven to be successful.

In 2016, Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone were racing for Ducati. However, the team decided to replace one of them with Lorenzo, a three-time champion.

In 2017, Iannone joined the Suzuki team, allowing Lorenzo to take his place. However, Iannone's performance over the two-year period fell short of expectations.

Currently, Ducati is performing exceptionally well and has decided to select Marquez over Jorge Martin for their 2025 factory team.

Dovizioso suggested that Pecco should concentrate on his own abilities and strengths, just as he did the previous year, and not be too concerned with external factors.

Lorenzo being in the penalty area allowed me to improve and provided a beneficial opportunity for my growth.

"It's helpful to have a point of reference for making improvements."

An essential point to consider is maintaining your focus on yourself. Paying excessive attention to others may lead you to stray from your own path.

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Marc Marquez's future has been decided while analysts discuss the 2025 championship victor. Writers at Crash.net forecast the MotoGP champion for this season.

Our specialists have presented their opinions on which competitor is likely to claim victory in the 2025 MotoGP championship…

Alex Whitworth suggests that the 2024 MotoGP championship is expected to be primarily contested by Ducati's two main riders, Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia. This prediction is based on Ducati's strong performance this year and the diminished level of talent within its affiliated teams.

Over the last four seasons, Bagnaia has achieved the most success among riders in the championship, whereas Marquez holds the distinction of being the greatest rider in the history of the sport.

Last year, Bagnaia lost the championship due to his tendency to make errors. Facing off against a competitor who possesses greater natural ability, more aggressiveness, and possibly superior racing acumen will be a tough obstacle for him to surmount.

While it's possible for Bagnaia to secure the championship, Marquez is expected to come out on top.

In 2025, Marquez's success will hinge on maintaining his physical fitness, a feat he accomplished in 2024 for the first time since 2019. With superior speed compared to Bagnaia, more seasoned experience, and a stronger capability to handle championship pressures, staying healthy will be crucial for him.

Chances are high that he outperforms Bagnaia in most races they start together, but Marquez's quickness won't matter if he's not participating and just sitting at home.

Lewis Duncan suggests that the current world championship contest is particularly captivating, marking the first occasion since 2019 where Marc Marquez is a serious contender for the title.

During his 2024 season with Gresini, he achieved three grand prix wins. Even with the older GP23 bikes, he frequently contended for podium finishes. Competing against Ducati's most statistically successful rider, Francesco Bagnaia, may prove more challenging than many anticipate.

However, throughout the years that Bagnaia has been competing for the championship, he has demonstrated a lack of consistency. In contrast, Marquez has had only two of his six top-tier titles decided in the final round.

In 2024, Jorge Martin demonstrated that maintaining steady performance is more crucial than sheer speed in the current sprint and grand prix era. Reflecting on Marquez's final world championship in 2019, he secured victory in 12 races and claimed second place in all other events, with only one race where he did not finish throughout the season.

During an appearance on Crash.net's MotoGP Podcast, Frankie Carchedi, who will serve as Marquez’s crew chief in 2024, expressed strong confidence in forecasting that the eight-time world champion will set the standard for riders this season.

If that doesn't persuade you, I'm not sure what will.

Images of Marc Marquez's test bike designs from the years 2012, 2023, and 2024 have been shared. The liveries feature a combination of white, blue, and red colors. #MotoGP pic.twitter.com/QhHSWDZHy6— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) January 9, 2025

Jordan Moreland believes that the 2025 championship will likely come down to a contest between two individuals.

Both Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez race for the Ducati team. Given Ducati's significant edge, I believe these two riders will distance themselves from the competition and compete for the top positions.

In 2024, Bagnaia had an exceptional year, even with eight races where he did not finish. Securing victory in 11 Grand Prix races is indeed remarkable. The upcoming seasons of 2025 and 2026 will present his most significant challenge yet, as he teams up with Marc Marquez.

In 2024, Marquez silenced any skeptics about his skills by securing 3 Grand Prix victories and stepping onto the podium 20 times while riding the previous year's GP23. With the upcoming season placing him on the newest Ducati model and reintegrating him into the factory team setting, I anticipate Marquez will further elevate his performance, ultimately making it difficult for Pecco to keep up.

I am eager for a tight competition because the sport would greatly benefit from it, and it would be intriguing to observe the team dynamics throughout 2025.

In my opinion, Marquez is set to become the MotoGP World Champion in 2025, driven by an unwavering determination to clinch another championship. It would be incredible to witness him achieve this triumph, especially considering the challenges he has faced with injuries since 2020.

Peter McLaren suggests that although the two racers from Ducati Lenovo are expected to be front-runners for the championship, the complete version of the GP25 motorcycle has yet to be unveiled. During the test in Barcelona, the prototype did not outperform its competitors significantly, offering a glimmer of optimism to Ducati's competitors and those riding the satellite GP24 bikes.

Typically, Ducati prioritizes developing the new engine, particularly with an upcoming two-year freeze in mind, before turning its attention to the chassis and aerodynamics. As a result, significant advancements could be seen in the GP25 during the testing phases in Sepang and Buriram.

For Francesco Bagnaia to achieve success, it is crucial for him to address the errors he made last year, maintain his impressive pace in races, and remain focused despite Marc Marquez joining the competition.

The main concern for Marquez is how swiftly he can adjust to the fresh setting, as he joins a team led by another champion for the first time, and how he will get along with his new crew chief, Marco Rigamonti.

Marquez stated, "My goal is to get nearer to [Pecco] as he is the benchmark" at Ducati and "the one leading the way this pre-season and in the initial races." I concur with this assessment for the moment, indicating that Pecco is currently the frontrunner before testing and the early races. However, the situation could shift rapidly.

Derry Munikartono believes that Marc Marquez will be the one.

Following a career resurgence with Gresini Ducati, where he secured three Grand Prix victories last year despite racing on a year-old bike, Marc is confident that he still possesses the skills necessary to become a MotoGP world champion once more. All he requires is the top-performing bike and team, which he has already secured with his move to Ducati Lenovo in 2025.

In order to reach his goal, he must surpass his teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, who has already established himself at Ducati. This won't be easy, as Marc acknowledged that Pecco would be the team's key player in the initial part of the season.

Throughout the season, there are likely to be some intense moments between these two riders. However, I believe that Marquez might hold a small advantage over Bagnaia in the battle for the 2025 MotoGP championship.

Steady performance would be crucial, and given how unstable Bagnaia's 2024 season turned out to be—with 11 Grand Prix races but missing the championship due to 8 races without points—I believe Marc would clinch the title by a very narrow margin.

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Casey Stoner has accused someone of being responsible for the conflict between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. He remarked, "You won't intimidate someone like Marc Marquez to stop…"

Casey Stoner has shared his thoughts on the ongoing conflict between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez, a topic that has captured significant attention in MotoGP circles since 2015.

A decade later, the intense rivalry continues to fascinate MotoGP enthusiasts. This year, the interest is further fueled as Marquez is set to join forces with Rossi's protégé, Francesco Bagnaia, at Ducati.

According to Stoner, Marquez has rightfully faced criticism from some individuals.

"Stoner mentioned on the Ducati Diaries podcast that, to some extent, Marc Marquez earned the critiques he received."

"He attempted to enter the place."

Stoner insisted that Rossi was responsible for the entire conflict, as Marquez was merely reacting to being attacked.

"Stoner pointed out that while many hold Marc responsible for everything, they often overlook that Valentino Rossi was the one who initiated it."

"Marc has consistently displayed that behavior throughout his racing career, and then Valentino initiated a verbal dispute."

The group was friendly with each other, but tensions arose when Valentino initiated an issue, prompting Marc to respond in kind because he was displeased.

"Naturally, everyone is making a fuss over it, overlooking the fact that Valentino was the one who provoked the situation in the first place."

Stoner stated that the conflict between Rossi and Marquez resulted from a strategic mistake made by Rossi.

"If a person is known for riding aggressively," he explained, "don't assume you can intimidate them into stopping—someone like Marc Marquez won't be easily frightened off."

During a season where he had the chance to secure another championship victory, he has chosen to antagonize the most dangerous competitor possible: a rider who is quicker, capable of defeating him, and who might even eliminate him from a race or the championship itself.

The Australian expressed his belief that Rossi was attempting to engage in psychological tactics against Marquez. However, these strategies had ceased to be effective by the late 2000s. This change occurred when riders like Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo entered the top tier of racing with factory-backed motorcycles, presenting a formidable challenge to the Italian racer who had been leading the sport since 2001.

"I believe that during Valentino's peak, before Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, and I entered the scene, he had a knack for getting into the heads of his fellow competitors. I still think he believed he could do that," Stoner remarked.

"When we were there, he actually ended up making us, the younger generation, stronger. We picked up on his tactics, understood what he could do, and then figured out how to navigate the situation ourselves."

The situation began when he lost his composure and initiated a conflict with Marc through the media. He then became overly entangled in the Malaysian race incident. Although Marc received some backlash, which was partly justified, it was Valentino who began to cause his own downfall.

Stoner and Rossi put their past differences aside when the Australian unexpectedly visited Tavullia towards the end of last year to ride at the VR46 Ranch.

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In August 2024, Alex became a member of the Crash.net staff after spending two years reporting on consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown.

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