The 2024 MotoGP season has marked a turning point in Marc Marquez’s storied career, as the Spanish rider continues to prove why he may go down as the best Ducati rider of all time. Though new to the Ducati stable, Marquez’s rapid adaptation and extraordinary success with the Gresini Racing team has seen him consistently achieve podium finishes on an older GP23 model. This article delves into Marquez’s rise at Ducati, examines his competition for the title of Ducati’s greatest rider, and explores how his unique skill set, combined with his dominance in MotoGP, is reshaping the Ducati legacy.
A Storied Career Transforms at Ducati
Marquez’s switch from Honda to Ducati marked a new chapter in the Spaniard’s illustrious career. He spent over a decade at Honda, where he won six world titles, showcasing his extraordinary riding talent and competitive spirit. However, after a series of injuries and an underperforming Honda in recent years, Marquez sought new opportunities to stay at the top of the sport. When the chance to ride for Ducati’s Gresini Racing arose, it seemed like a calculated risk that could either reinvigorate his career or leave him fighting an uphill battle.
To everyone’s surprise, Marquez not only adapted to the new bike, but he thrived, even though he was riding an older, less powerful GP23 model. While most Ducati riders struggled to compete with the superior GP24 machine, Marquez’s experience and adaptability enabled him to squeeze the best performance out of the bike, consistently securing podium finishes. Ducati engineers were so impressed that they signed him for the Factory team in 2025, setting him up to potentially become the most successful Ducati rider in MotoGP history  .
Marquez vs. Ducati Legends
When comparing Marquez to Ducati legends, names like Casey Stoner, Loris Capirossi, and Andrea Dovizioso come to mind. Each of these riders had remarkable stints with Ducati, contributing to the manufacturer’s legacy in unique ways.
Casey Stoner: The Champion of the Early Ducati Era
Casey Stoner’s contribution to Ducati is impossible to overlook. Stoner brought Ducati its first-ever MotoGP championship in 2007, a feat that remains a cornerstone of the manufacturer’s history. Stoner’s aggressive yet fluid riding style was perfectly suited to Ducati’s raw power, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the Ducati fanbase. His championship-winning season was iconic, as he delivered consistent results while outperforming the likes of Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa.
Andrea Dovizioso: The Consistent Contender
Andrea Dovizioso, on the other hand, was a model of consistency for Ducati during his time with the team. Though he never secured a MotoGP title, Dovizioso was a constant threat, finishing as runner-up in the championship three times (2017, 2018, 2019). His ability to tame the Ducati’s unpredictable handling and extract the best from the Desmosedici’s power made him a fan favorite and a critical figure in Ducati’s resurgence as a championship contender in the late 2010s.
How Marquez Stands Out
What sets Marc Marquez apart from these Ducati legends is his ability to achieve extraordinary results with equipment that isn’t the best on the grid. In 2024, Marquez has been riding a GP23, a bike inferior to the GP24 models used by his main competitors, including Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin  . Despite this handicap, Marquez consistently finished on the podium, proving his mastery over the machine and his unmatched ability to adapt to less-than-ideal circumstances.
This season has seen Marquez outperform not only other riders on the GP23 but even some on the faster GP24. His podium consistency, combined with his tenacity, has won him accolades and secured him a spot in Ducati’s factory team for the 2025 season, where he will finally have the opportunity to compete on equal machinery with the rest of the grid. His success on an underpowered bike could be likened to Valentino Rossi’s final years at Yamaha, where the Italian legend continued to rack up strong finishes despite not having the best bike in the paddock.
The Ducati Philosophy and Marquez’s Mastery
Ducati motorcycles are known for their raw power, aggressive handling, and, at times, unpredictable nature. It takes a certain type of rider to extract the best out of a Ducati, and Marquez’s riding style seems to perfectly align with this philosophy. His experience on the volatile Honda RC213V, coupled with his exceptional control under pressure, has allowed him to make the GP23 perform beyond its design limitations.
What Marquez brings to Ducati is not just raw speed but an unparalleled ability to adapt and push a bike beyond its limits. Where other riders may falter, Marquez’s deep understanding of racing dynamics and his strategic mind come into play. His bravery in cornering, his ability to save seemingly lost moments, and his aggression in overtakes have defined his riding style, and these attributes are perfectly suited to Ducati’s DNA.
The Road Ahead: A Future of Dominance?
The anticipation surrounding Marquez’s 2025 season with the Ducati factory team is palpable. For the first time, he will be riding Ducati’s top-spec machine, the GP24, which has already proven to be a race-winning bike. With a more competitive package underneath him, many are predicting that Marquez could dominate the upcoming seasons in a way that few Ducati riders have before.
His move to the factory team also sets up a thrilling rivalry with Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati’s reigning champion. The internal competition between these two could elevate both riders to new heights, but many believe that Marquez’s experience, hunger for more titles, and his ability to thrive under pressure may give him the edge.
A Claim to the Title of Best Ducati Rider?
While it may seem premature to crown Marc Marquez the best Ducati rider of all time, the evidence is stacking up in his favor. His success on an inferior bike, combined with his unmatched adaptability and relentless pursuit of perfection, sets him apart from Ducati’s past legends. The fact that Ducati signed him to their factory team after just one season speaks volumes about their belief in his potential to lead the brand to more championships.
Should Marquez continue his trajectory and secure more titles with Ducati, there’s no doubt he will enter the conversation as the greatest rider the Italian manufacturer has ever seen. His story is still unfolding, but with each passing race, it becomes clearer that Marquez’s Ducati era could be just as iconic as his reign at Honda.
In the end, Marc Marquez may not just be a great Ducati rider—he may very well become the best of all time.
